«إيبولا» يصل إلى نيجيريا.. إصابة في أبوجا وتعقب 44 مخالطاً

Nigerian health authorities have announced a confirmed case of the Ebola virus in the capital, Abuja, involving a woman who arrived in the country from Uganda. Health response teams have begun tracking 44 individuals who had contact with the infected person, amid fears of transmission and the virus's spread.

Nigerian Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, confirmed yesterday (Tuesday) that the infection was laboratory-confirmed, stating that the patient is under medical isolation and receiving necessary care, alongside intensified epidemiological surveillance measures to limit the possibility of additional cases.

Symptoms Appearing Before Confirmation of Infection

According to the World Health Organization, the woman began showing symptoms of the disease on October 7, just four days after her arrival in Nigeria, before heading to a private medical facility in Abuja on October 11, where she received treatment for several days.

Laboratory tests conducted on October 20 confirmed her infection with the Ebola virus of the Bundibugyo strain, while authorities continue to investigate to determine the source of the infection and retrace the patient's movements and previous travels.

Ugandan authorities clarified that the woman had crossed through Uganda after a trip to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, confirming that there is no active outbreak of the disease within the country.

Tracking Contacts and Raising Health Alert

The Nigerian Ministry of Health announced that 44 contacts of the patient have been identified so far, including healthcare workers, patients, companions, and individuals who may have come into contact with her during travel.

The Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention has activated its health incident management system, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and local health authorities, to enhance isolation, screening, and epidemiological monitoring measures.

The government has directed public and private hospitals and health centers to raise their alert levels and to report any suspected cases immediately, while tightening infection control measures and protecting healthcare workers.

Fifth Country to Report the Virus Since the Outbreak in Congo

The World Health Organization reported that Nigeria has become the fifth country to record a case of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus since the outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 15.

Kenya has recorded nine cases linked to an incoming case in recent weeks, prompting health authorities in several African countries to enhance border surveillance and prepare for rapid response.

The organization urged countries in the region to intensify epidemiological surveillance, equip laboratories and medical teams, and provide protective equipment, especially as developments in the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue.

Warnings About Transmission of Infection

The Ebola virus is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, or through tools and surfaces contaminated with these fluids, and an infected person does not become contagious until symptoms appear.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may appear within a period ranging from two to 21 days after exposure to the virus.

Nigerian authorities have confirmed their capability and resources to handle the case, relying on their experience in containing the Ebola outbreak in 2014, urging the public to cooperate with health response teams and avoid spreading unreliable information.

In contrast, the World Health Organization has stated that it does not recommend imposing travel or trade restrictions with affected countries, emphasizing the importance of early detection of cases and tracking contacts to prevent the spread of infection.