Federal Government has stated genomic evaluation of the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease case within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, confirmed the virus is genetically related to the virus recognized in a case in Kenya, although additional investigation is required to set up an epidemiological link.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Saturday whereas giving an replace on the scenario, noting that the findings present essential scientific data.
“The findings present essential scientific data, whereas additional investigations are required to set up whether or not the 2 instances are epidemiologically linked,” Pate stated.
According to the minister, the evaluation was carried out by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, and the Institute of Genomics and Global Health, IGH, at Redeemer’s University, Ede, led by Professor Christian Happi.
He counseled each establishments for his or her pace and scientific rigour, whereas reiterating that genetic relatedness between viruses doesn’t, in itself, set up a direct transmission link between instances.
On contact tracing, Pate acknowledged that “recognized contacts of the confirmed case stay below energetic monitoring. Some have examined unfavorable, whereas outcomes for others are nonetheless pending”.
He stated the Federal Government was strengthening surveillance, laboratory capability, case administration, danger communication and an infection prevention and management.
“Healthcare amenities have been reminded to promptly determine and report suspected instances to public well being authorities, whereas extra coaching and sensitisation for healthcare employees will assist the efficient implementation of response protocols,” he added.
He introduced that the director common of the NCDC acknowledged that the company would start issuing quick day by day updates to the general public from 24 October 2026.
“Remain calm and vigilant, observe all beneficial security precautions, observe official public well being steerage and keep away from spreading misinformation or unverified reviews,” the minister urged Nigerians.
He suggested the general public to get hold of updates from recognised well being authorities, together with the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization, WHO, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC.
