The World Health Organization (WHO) has intensified efforts to support Nigeria following confirmation of the country’s first case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease, as health authorities step up measures to contain the potential spread of the infection.
The patient, a woman who recently travelled through Uganda, reportedly began developing symptoms on October 7, four days after her arrival. She sought treatment at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11, with laboratory tests confirming the infection on October 20.
According to WHO, the woman remains in isolation and is receiving medical care as investigations continue to establish the likely source of infection and reconstruct her travel and exposure history.
Nigerian health authorities have so far identified 44 contacts who are being monitored, while efforts to trace additional people who may have been exposed to the virus continue. Infection prevention and control measures are also being strengthened at the private health facility where the patient sought treatment.
Nigeria is the fifth country to detect Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in mid-May, which has recorded thousands of cases and deaths.
According to the latest data from Congolese health authorities, more than 9,500 cases and over 4,200 deaths had been recorded as of October 18.
The outbreak has also raised regional concerns, with Uganda having recently declared its own Ebola outbreak over in late August. Meanwhile, nine cases have reportedly been reported in Kenya and one in the Netherlands, all linked to the outbreak in the DRC.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated its incident management system to coordinate response activities, according to WHO.
The UN health agency says rapid identification of cases, timely monitoring of contacts and effective infection prevention and control measures remain critical to containing the spread of the virus.
WHO is also supporting Nigeria with essential supplies, including personal protective equipment for health workers involved in the response.
The agency has urged countries across the region to maintain a high level of preparedness as the outbreak in the DRC continues to evolve.
Despite the growing concerns, WHO has not recommended travel or trade restrictions against affected countries.
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