Two suspected cases of Ebola identified by NCDC, one confirmed

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed that it is investigating a suspected case of Ebola virus in Rivers State as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the infection.

The Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, disclosed this on Sunday during a press briefing in Abuja.

Idris said the agency had established isolation and quarantine facilities as part of its response to the suspected cases.

“We have established two additional suspected cases and 53 primary contact links. They are primary contacts. We have an isolation centre and a quarantine centre,” he said.

He added that about 12 public and private laboratories were available to conduct Ebola tests, noting that the NCDC had strengthened its laboratory capacity to support the prompt investigation of suspected infections.

The agency is also maintaining heightened surveillance to detect possible cases and reduce the risk of further transmission.

Idris urged public and private healthcare facilities to strengthen screening, triage and infection prevention procedures. He also stressed the need to ensure that healthcare workers have adequate personal protective equipment.

According to the NCDC, public health teams are identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed to the confirmed case. The monitoring period is 21 days after their last possible exposure.

The agency urged people contacted by public health officials to cooperate with contact-tracing teams and provide accurate information about their movements, contacts and any symptoms they may experience.