By Our Correspondent
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that a newly identified suspected case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Rivers State tested negative, reassuring residents that the investigation has not established another infection in the state.
The development comes amid heightened national surveillance following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The NCDC disclosed that the suspected case in Rivers was reported on October 23, with laboratory results subsequently confirming that the individual did not have Ebola.
According to the agency’s latest situation report, Nigeria had recorded one confirmed Ebola case and two suspected cases under investigation, including the case reported in Rivers State and another suspected case in the FCT. The Rivers case tested negative.
53 Contacts Under Surveillance The NCDC also disclosed that 53 primary contacts linked to the confirmed case had been identified, categorised and placed under public health surveillance.
The contacts include healthcare workers, domestic staff, the patient’s husband and other individuals who may have been exposed during medical care, sample collection or other interactions.
The agency explained that the identification of contacts does not mean that those individuals have contracted the virus. Rather, it is a preventive measure designed to detect possible infections early and prevent further transmission.
Under established Ebola response protocols, identified contacts are monitored for 21 days from their last possible exposure, corresponding to the maximum recognised incubation period of the disease.
NCDC Considers Financial Support for Contacts Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed during a media briefing in Abuja on Sunday that the Federal Government was considering a ₦100,000 weekly stipend for each contact required to remain under quarantine.
The proposed financial support followed concerns reportedly raised by some contacts over the difficulties associated with remaining at designated facilities during the monitoring period.
According to the NCDC, the proposed intervention is intended to ease the financial burden of quarantine and encourage cooperation with public health officials.
The agency said accommodation and feeding arrangements were being provided for contacts staying at designated facilities while discussions continued on additional welfare support.
Confirmed Case Remains in Abuja The NCDC reiterated that the only confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria at the time of the briefing was in the FCT.
The patient, a 42-year-old woman, reportedly returned to Nigeria from Uganda through Addis Ababa on October 3, 2026.
She developed symptoms on October 7 and sought medical attention at private healthcare facilities in Abuja before the NCDC was notified on October 19.
Following an investigation and laboratory testing, the agency confirmed the infection on October 20.
The patient was subsequently placed in isolation and continued to receive medical care, with the NCDC reporting an improvement in her condition.
National Response Intensified Dr Idris said the Federal Government had activated a coordinated national response involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC, FCT health authorities and relevant partners.
The measures include contact tracing, laboratory testing, isolation and treatment arrangements, enhanced disease surveillance and strengthened infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities.
The agency has also designated the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital as an isolation and treatment centre for the current response.
In addition, screening at the country’s points of entry is being strengthened to improve the early detection of potentially infected travellers and reduce the risk of further transmission.
NCDC Urges Nigerians to Remain Calm The NCDC has urged Nigerians to remain calm while complying with public health advisories, warning that misinformation and stigmatisation could undermine efforts to contain the disease.
The agency advised healthcare facilities to maintain high standards of infection prevention and control and ensure that healthcare workers have access to appropriate protective equipment.
Members of the public were also advised to practise regular handwashing, avoid direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed cases, and promptly report possible exposure to public health authorities.
Anyone who suspects exposure to Ebola should seek guidance from health officials and follow their instructions before visiting a healthcare facility, allowing appropriate precautions to be arranged.
The agency stressed that the cooperation of individuals, families, community leaders and healthcare professionals would remain essential to the success of the national response.
For residents of Rivers State, the negative test result provides reassurance that the suspected case did not constitute a confirmed Ebola infection. However, health authorities are expected to maintain surveillance and preparedness measures as Nigeria continues its efforts to prevent further transmission.