Niger State steps up surveillance after Ebola case in Abuja

Niger State has placed its public health emergency operations centre on heightened alert and stepped up surveillance after an Ebola case was confirmed in Abuja. Health Commissioner Murtala Muhammad Bagana announced the measures on Wednesday and said no cases had been detected in Niger State.

The authorities cited frequent travel between the state and Abuja, as well as activity around Minna International Airport and the border with Benin. Public and private health facilities must report suspected cases immediately. Local teams are stepping up detection and investigation, while the ministry is reviewing transport and isolation arrangements and strengthening infection prevention measures.

Bagana said the state was coordinating its preparedness with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and local health authorities. The government has advised residents to wash their hands frequently and avoid contact with the bodily fluids of anyone suspected of being infected. If they develop symptoms, including fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, they should call the health authorities before going to a medical facility.

The confirmed case involves a woman who recently arrived from Uganda and is being treated in isolation in Abuja. Forty-four people who had close contact with her have been identified, according to federal authorities. The case and contact tracing have already been reported in the information on the patient and her contacts.