Nigeria’s federal government has identified 53 contacts linked to the country’s sole confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory and approved emergency weekly payments of N100,000 for those placed in isolation or quarantine.
The figure is up from the 44 contacts initially announced after the case was confirmed on 20 October. The contacts include healthcare workers, the patient’s spouse, domestic staff and others who may have been exposed. All have been categorised and placed under monitoring, according to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Director-General Dr Jide Idris.
Idris told a briefing in Abuja that contact tracing continues and the number could still change. No contact has tested positive. A suspected case in Rivers State returned a negative result, while investigations continue into another suspected case in the FCT. Only the Federal Capital Territory has a confirmed case.
“As of today, we have two suspected cases again. One in FCT, one in Rivers State. But we’ve tested the Rivers case; it’s negative,” Idris said. “So there’s no red line. We have that confirmed case, that’s the patient in the hospital. Contacts with symptoms, none. Contacts positive, none. States affected, only FCT now.”
The government has authorised the N100,000 weekly payment to cover feeding, accommodation and family upkeep for people in isolation or quarantine. “Just to douse the tension, we decided we would do this. We provide N100,000 per person per week just to maintain their comfort and feeding because they were complaining,” Idris said.
Samples from the confirmed patient, who is receiving treatment in an isolation facility, have remained positive on three occasions. A sample from her husband tested negative. Genetic sequencing has been completed and the results shared with Ugandan authorities. Between nine and 12 laboratories across the country can now test for Ebola.
The national incident management system has been activated at the highest level. Screening has been tightened at international airports, with health declaration forms required for arriving passengers. Healthcare facilities have been urged to strengthen infection prevention measures and maintain a high index of suspicion for patients with relevant symptoms and exposure histories.
In Lagos, the state government has intensified surveillance at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and coordinated with Port Health Services and aviation authorities. Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi said no suspected case has been reported in the state. Residents were advised to remain vigilant, report possible exposure promptly and seek medical assessment if symptoms develop, especially after travel from areas with Ebola transmission. Emergency lines 112 and 767, or the Directorate of Epidemiology on 0802 316 9485, should be used.
Zamfara State has also activated surveillance at Gusau airport and major motor parks after a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia was found with a temperature of 38°C. The passenger was referred for further assessment. Health Commissioner Nafisa Maradun said medical teams have been deployed at entry points and urged residents to cooperate with screening.
Idris called on the public to remain calm, cooperate with health officials and avoid spreading unverified information. Anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure should contact public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.
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