The Federal Government has announced emergency financial support of N100,000 weekly for individuals placed in Ebola-related isolation or quarantine, as the number of identified contacts linked to a reported case in Abuja rises from 44 to 53.
Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, disclosed the measures during a briefing in Abuja, outlining efforts to prevent further transmission of the virus.
According to Idris, the financial assistance is intended to ease the burden on individuals whose movement and daily activities have been restricted during public health monitoring.
The government is also providing accommodation and feeding for affected persons, particularly those unable to attend to their families while in isolation.
“We provide N100,000 per person per week just to maintain their comfort and feeding because they were complaining,” he explained.
The announcement follows the reported confirmation of an imported Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, 2026.
Idris said contact tracing had identified 53 individuals who might have been exposed, including healthcare workers, domestic employees and the patient’s spouse.
He clarified that identification as a contact did not establish infection, stressing that monitoring was necessary to detect possible symptoms promptly.
The NCDC maintained that only one case had been confirmed, with no identified contact testing positive or developing symptoms at the time of the briefing.
Two additional suspected cases were being investigated, including one in Rivers State that subsequently tested negative.
Investigations into the second suspected case in the FCT were continuing.
Laboratory tests conducted on three separate samples from the confirmed patient reportedly returned positive results, while the patient’s husband tested negative.
Idris added that genetic sequencing had been completed at two laboratory facilities, with findings being shared with Ugandan health authorities.
The confirmed patient was receiving treatment at an isolation facility, while arrangements had been established to accommodate additional patients if necessary.
Meanwhile, Lagos State authorities have intensified surveillance at Murtala Muhammed International Airport as part of wider preventive measures.
The NCDC also announced expanded screening at international airports, including health declaration requirements for passengers arriving from all countries.
Idris said between nine and 12 laboratories across Nigeria had the capacity to conduct Ebola testing, with additional supplies distributed to strengthen preparedness.
He urged healthcare facilities to maintain strict infection prevention measures, including patient screening, hand hygiene and appropriate protective precautions.
Healthcare workers were advised not to delay protective measures while awaiting laboratory confirmation.
The NCDC also appealed to individuals contacted by public health teams to cooperate with monitoring procedures and provide accurate information about possible exposure.
Members of the public were encouraged to avoid contact with the bodily fluids of suspected patients and report potential exposures promptly.
Authorities said contact tracing would continue, meaning the number of individuals under monitoring could change as investigations progressed.
Ezeana Emmanuel
