The Federal Government has asked 15 states to urgently prepare for a possible Ebola outbreak as health officials move to stop the spread after a case was confirmed in Abuja.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, made the call on Thursday while briefing the National Economic Council on Nigeria's response to the threat.
As reported by Premium Times Newspaper, Pate disclosed that 21 states have already updated their Ebola emergency plans, while the remaining 15 need to act quickly and put proper response measures in place.
The alert comes after Nigeria confirmed its first imported case of Ebola on October 20, caused by the Bundibugyo strain. The patient is a woman who recently arrived from Uganda. She began showing symptoms a few days after arriving and later sought care at a private hospital in Abuja.
Pate said the government is working with state authorities and international health partners to strengthen surveillance, speed up laboratory testing, improve emergency coordination and ensure medical supplies are available. He explained that early detection at entry points, clear communication to the public and enough protective equipment for health workers are critical to containing the disease. He added that Nigeria is collaborating with the World Health Organisation, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other technical partners.
Giving an update on the patient, the minister said she is responding to treatment, with recent laboratory results showing encouraging improvement. He said he has spoken with the clinicians managing her case and is hopeful about her recovery.
The Federal Ministry of Health said there is currently no evidence that the virus has spread within the community, but contact tracing, quarantine and monitoring of contacts are still ongoing.
Despite the confirmed case, Pate said the government has not recommended any restriction on public gatherings or scheduled events. He noted that the situation is under constant review and any decision on restrictions will be guided by scientific evidence and expert advice.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain calm but stay alert by washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with the blood and body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola. He also advised anyone with symptoms such as fever, headache and body pain, especially those with travel history to affected areas, to avoid close contact with others and promptly notify health authorities.
Hospitals have been urged to prepare isolation facilities, strengthen infection prevention measures and report any suspected case immediately, as the government continues to monitor the situation to protect health workers and prevent further spread.