The Federal Government has intensified nationwide Ebola surveillance and contact-tracing efforts following the confirmation of an imported case in Abuja, assuring Nigerians that measures are being taken to prevent further transmission.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Pate said Nigeria had one confirmed imported case at the time of the briefing, with 44 contacts under monitoring as health authorities stepped up efforts to contain the infection.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant without panicking, stressing that public cooperation would be essential to the government’s containment efforts.
According to the minister, the Federal Government is strengthening coordination with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
He said state governments and healthcare facilities were also being mobilised to strengthen surveillance, identify suspected cases promptly and ensure rapid response where necessary.
Pate advised Nigerians to observe good hygiene, follow official public health guidance and report suspected symptoms to the appropriate health authorities without delay.
He also cautioned against spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary fear or confusion.
The minister said routine activities could continue in accordance with official public health guidance, urging citizens to remain alert and comply with any additional directives issued by health authorities.
He emphasised that the government’s immediate priority was to contain the imported case, monitor individuals who might have been exposed and prevent further transmission.
The Federal Government’s response comes amid the need for heightened vigilance against infectious diseases and stronger coordination between national and state health institutions.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring identified contacts and strengthening surveillance as part of efforts to limit the risk of further infections.
