A diplomat diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Abuja has reportedly developed multi-organ failure, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Director of Public Health Laboratory Service at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Olajumoke Babatunde, disclosed this at an emergency meeting in Abuja.
She said three levels of molecular testing confirmed the Bundibugyo strain, which is also responsible for an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The patient’s name and nationality have not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, state governments are strengthening surveillance and contact tracing. Anambra State said 33 of 40 persons of interest had completed monitoring and been cleared, while seven remained under follow-up as of October 20.
Niger State has activated emergency operations and is completing an isolation centre, while Ogun State is tracing 111 persons of interest.
The Federal Government says Nigeria’s only confirmed case is being contained and has urged Nigerians to avoid panic.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, said the government was collaborating with Uganda and tracing contacts to prevent further transmission.
