Laraba MUREY
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has confirmed that two suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever recorded in Abuja within the past week tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses.
The Director-General of the agency, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed this in a public health advisory issued on Friday, noting that samples from the patients are undergoing further testing for other viral haemorrhagic fevers, including Lassa fever and dengue.
The most recent case involved a traveller who returned from Kigali and immediately presented himself at a hospital in Abuja after he fell ill. NCDC described the move as commendable, stressing that early reporting helped activate the public health system promptly and reduced the risk of wider exposure.
“We deeply commend the clinicians and staff at Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, whose high index of suspicion and immediate reporting triggered a rapid, coordinated response,” the agency stated.
NCDC explained that its teams, in collaboration with FCT epidemiology units, Port Health Services, airline and immigration partners, ensured swift testing and containment efforts.
The agency, however, urged Nigerians not to panic but to remain vigilant, practise good hygiene, and report unusual symptoms such as sudden fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.
“While the two suspected Ebola cases turned out negative, the events are a reminder that early detection, responsible action, and strong collaboration protect millions,” Idris said.
NCDC further advised state governments to strengthen isolation centres and surveillance systems, while healthcare workers, especially in private hospitals, were told to maintain strict infection-prevention measures and report suspicious cases immediately.
The centre cautioned against spreading rumours or misinformation on social media, warning that it undermines public health response and fuels stigma.
Nigerians were urged to seek care promptly if they develop symptoms after travel to affected regions and to rely only on official updates from the NCDC and state health authorities.
