The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified two suspected cases of Ebola disease in northeastern Nigeria, with both individuals isolated as health authorities conduct laboratory tests to determine their status.
In an update released on Saturday, the NCDC said investigations were ongoing, including the identification and listing of people who may have had contact with the suspected cases.
The agency confirmed that laboratory testing was underway, stressing that the individuals should not be considered confirmed Ebola patients until their test results are available.
“Being classified as suspected cases does not mean they are confirmed Ebola cases; confirmation is subject to laboratory results,” the NCDC said.
The agency urged Nigerians to maintain good hand hygiene, practise enhanced sanitation and follow public health guidance as investigations continue.
It also assured the public that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.
Nigeria Records Ebola Case After More Than a Decade
The development comes days after Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case in more than a decade.
On October 20, a 42-year-old Swiss woman tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in Abuja after travelling from Uganda to Nigeria.
Following confirmation of the infection, the patient was isolated and treated by Nigerian health workers.
The Federal Government subsequently evacuated her to Switzerland aboard a medical aircraft on Monday. Her husband, who was identified as a close contact, was also evacuated to the European country.
The evacuation followed efforts by Nigerian health authorities to manage the confirmed case and address potential exposure risks.
Health Minister Provides Update on Swiss Patient
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said the Swiss patient had shown significant clinical improvement.
According to the minister, she was stable, conscious and able to communicate, while her laboratory test results were approaching baseline levels.
The update provided some reassurance about the patient’s condition as health authorities continued to monitor the situation.
NCDC Urges Vigilance as Investigations Continue
The identification of two suspected cases in northeastern Nigeria has heightened the importance of surveillance and timely laboratory testing as authorities work to establish whether the individuals have Ebola disease.
However, the NCDC has emphasised that the suspected cases remain unconfirmed pending laboratory results.
The agency continues to advise the public to observe proper hand hygiene, maintain good sanitation practices and follow official guidance from public health authorities.
Members of the public are also encouraged to rely on verified information from the NCDC and other relevant health agencies rather than circulate unconfirmed reports.
Further updates are expected as laboratory investigations and contact identification efforts progress.