The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that two suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in Abuja tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses.
In an advisory issued Friday, September 19, the agency stated: “We are currently testing samples for other viral hemorrhagic fevers like Lassa fever and dengue fever.”
The most recent case involved a traveller from Kigali who promptly sought medical care. NCDC commended the individual’s action, noting: “This responsible action is highly commendable and a good practice all Nigerians are urged to emulate; when you feel unwell, especially after travel, seek care early. Doing so protects you, your family, and your community.”
The agency also praised clinicians at Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, whose vigilance triggered a rapid response, alongside FCT Epidemiology and Rapid Response Teams, Port Health Services, and other partners.
NCDC assured that anticipatory measures are in place: “We have activated multidisciplinary collaboration with federal and state health authorities, strengthened surveillance at points of entry, placed isolation and treatment facilities on alert, and prepositioned critical infection-prevention and case management supplies.”
It added: “Our national reference laboratories remain on standby for rapid testing, and public health teams are ready to conduct contact tracing if needed. We are also working with states and partners to strengthen readiness across all 36 states and the FCT.”
The public was urged to maintain hygiene, avoid risky animal contact, seek early care after travel, and rely only on official NCDC updates.