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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that two suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in Abuja have tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses.
In a public health advisory issued on Friday, September 19, the agency said further tests are underway for other hemorrhagic fevers, including Lassa fever and dengue fever.
The suspected cases had raised public concern after reports of possible viral hemorrhagic fever in the capital. Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe illness with a fatality rate ranging from 25% to 90%. It spreads through contact with infected animals or the body fluids of infected humans, with human-to-human transmission being the most common. Early symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.
“The NCDC wishes to inform the public that two recent suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in Abuja both tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses. We are currently testing samples for other viral hemorrhagic fevers like Lassa fever and dengue fever,” the advisory stated.
The most recent case involved a traveller who returned from Kigali and promptly sought medical attention after feeling unwell. The NCDC praised the individual’s action, saying it allowed health authorities to activate public health measures swiftly and reduce potential risk.
“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 said.
The NCDC also commended clinicians at Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, whose vigilance triggered a rapid, coordinated response. It acknowledged the role of the FCT Epidemiology and Rapid Response Teams, Port Health Services, the National Reference Laboratory, airline and immigration partners, and other stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness.
The agency assured Nigerians that precautionary measures have been activated nationwide, especially in light of recent Ebola outbreaks in other countries. These include intensified surveillance at ports of entry, alerting isolation facilities, and prepositioning infection-prevention supplies.
“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,” the NCDC 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 good hygiene, avoid risky contact with animals, seek care immediately if symptoms develop after travel, and rely only on official NCDC updates. Suspected cases can be reported via the NCDC Connect Centre through a toll-free number, WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported 48 confirmed and probable Ebola cases, with 31 deaths.
