NCDC: Two Suspected Ebola Cases in Adamawa Test Negative
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confimed two suspected Ebola Virus Disease cases identified in Yola, Adamawa State, negative after two rounds of laboratory testing.
The agency’s Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that the NCDC was working with the Adamawa State Government to investigate the reported cases.
According to Idris, the Adamawa Public Health Emergency Operations Centre received the report in the early hours of October 30, following the identification of two individuals with symptoms suggestive of Ebola.
The individuals were immediately isolated, while samples were collected for testing and public health measures initiated to establish the cause of their illnesses.
Idris confirmed that both rounds of laboratory testing returned negative results, adding that there was no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case in Adamawa State.
He commended the state’s Commissioner for Health and the response team for their swift action, assuring residents that the NCDC would continue to provide technical support.
The NCDC chief also clarified that the previously confirmed case in the Federal Capital Territory remained Nigeria’s only laboratory-confirmed Ebola case.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports, advising the public to rely on official government and public health channels for accurate information.
Idris described Ebola as a serious infectious disease that requires early detection, proper medical care and effective infection prevention measures.
He advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding to seek immediate medical attention.
He further urged people with such symptoms, particularly those who may have been exposed to the virus, to inform healthcare workers about their travel and contact history.
The NCDC director-general cautioned against self-medication, stressing the importance of following professional medical advice.
He said the NCDC, Adamawa State Government and other relevant stakeholders would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as verified information becomes available.
By Oluwafemi Shodipe.
