Ebola Virus in FCT Genetically Linked to Kenya Case, FG Says …Contact tracing intensifies as government awaits test results

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare 

"The genomic analysis was conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, led by Prof. Christian Happi." Pate

..... Commends both institutions for their prompt response and scientific rigour, describing the findings as important scientific information that would support ongoing investigations into the case.

..... Reiterates that establishing a possible epidemiological connection between the Nigerian and Kenyan cases would require further investigation."

The Federal Government has disclosed that genomic analysis of the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has revealed that the virus is genetically related to one identified in a case in Kenya.

However, the government cautioned that further investigations were necessary to determine whether the two cases were epidemiologically linked, stressing that genetic similarities alone did not establish a direct transmission connection.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, while providing an update on the confirmed case and ongoing efforts to prevent further transmission.

According to the minister, the genomic analysis was conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, led by Prof. Christian Happi.

Pate commended both institutions for their prompt response and scientific rigour, describing the findings as important scientific information that would support ongoing investigations into the case.

He, however, reiterated that establishing a possible epidemiological connection between the Nigerian and Kenyan cases would require further investigation.

The Minister, in a statement issued and signed by Ado Bako. Head of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, said identified contacts of the confirmed case remained under active monitoring, adding that while some had tested negative for the virus, results for others were still being awaited.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk communication and infection prevention and control measures to contain the situation and protect public health.

As part of the response, healthcare facilities across the country had been reminded of the need to promptly identify and report suspected Ebola cases to the relevant public health authorities.

The government is also intensifying training and sensitisation for healthcare workers to ensure the effective implementation of established response protocols and improve preparedness for any further cases.

In a related development, the Director-General of the NCDC announced that the agency would commence short daily public updates from Saturday, October 24, in line with its public health guidelines.

The updates, according to the government, are intended to provide regular information on the evolving situation and keep Nigerians informed about developments in the response.

Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, observe recommended safety precautions and comply with official public health guidance.

He also warned against the spread of misinformation and unverified reports, advising the public to rely on recognised health authorities, including the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to containing the outbreak, protecting healthcare workers and preventing further transmission, while calling for sustained cooperation from the public and other relevant stakeholders.

He stressed the importance of public vigilance and adherence to official guidance as health authorities continue monitoring contacts and investigating the findings of the genomic analysis.