The Federal Government says it has deepened public health response following the confirmation of an Ebola virus disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued by its spokesman, Mr Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Thursday.
According to him, such response to the confirmed case of the disease in the FCT, is coming against the backdrop of information provided by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Adeniyi said, “The patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
“She was subsequently admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received medical care for several days before her diagnosis was confirmed; the patient is currently in isolation and receiving treatment.”
He said that government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), was working with FCT Health Services Secretariat to contain the infection, and prevent further transmission.
The spokesman added that contact tracing operations had commenced with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring and appropriate public health follow-up.
According to him, response teams are working to identify, assess and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and persons linked to the patient’s travel.
“Government is also coordinating surveillance, laboratory testing and other essential response activities in line with established public health protocols,” he said.
He mentioned that the measures taken by government were intended to facilitate early identification of potential cases, strengthen infection prevention and control, and minimise risks of further transmission.
He reiterated government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerians and all residents, urging the public to cooperate with such moves.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, avoid speculation and misinformation, and adhere strictly to advisories issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and relevant health authorities.
“The public is encouraged to rely exclusively on verified information from official government channels,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would liaise with relevant national institutions and other stakeholders, as necessary, in supporting government’s coordinated response to the public health situation.
He further assured that updates would be issued through official channels, as verified information became available, while thanking the public and all stakeholders for their cooperation.
