An Ebola patient in Abuja has reportedly deteriorated into multi-organ failure as the Federal Government and state governments intensify measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

The patient, described as a diplomat whose name and nationality have not been disclosed, was diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The Director of Public Health Laboratory Service at the NCDC, Olajumoke Babatunde, disclosed the patient’s worsening condition during an emergency meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

Babatunde said three rounds of molecular testing confirmed the Bundibugyo strain, which is also associated with the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Federal Government confirmed Nigeria’s first reported case in the current outbreak on Tuesday, following the admission of a woman who had travelled from Uganda to a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the NCDC, the woman arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms on October 7 and sought medical attention on October 11 after failing to respond to malaria treatment.

FG Moves to Contain Ebola

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, said the Federal Government was collaborating with Uganda and intensifying contact tracing to prevent further transmission.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, Pate urged Nigerians to remain vigilant without giving in to panic.

He said Nigeria had the public health institutions and experience required to manage the situation, recalling the country’s successful response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak.

The minister added that the NCDC was working round the clock, while the Presidential Task Force on Ebola was also active.

He said the government would continue to provide updates as more information became available.

President Bola Tinubu had reportedly directed a review of Nigeria’s Ebola response plan during a National Security Council meeting on October 15.

Pate said coordination among public health authorities, the Office of the National Security Adviser and other relevant institutions remained central to the response.

46 Contacts Placed on No-Fly List

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to place 46 people who reportedly had contact with the infected patient on a no-fly list for 21 days.

The group comprises 44 people who had contact with the patient at the hospital after she developed symptoms and two domestic staff members.

Keyamo said the restriction was intended to prevent possible transmission while health authorities assessed the contacts.

He also directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to strengthen surveillance at international airports through temperature checks, travel history assessments, digital health declarations and closer coordination with the NCDC.

FAAN has also begun installing temperature-screening cameras to identify passengers who may require further medical assessment.

Passengers flagged by the equipment will undergo additional screening, while suspected cases will be isolated for evaluation.

NCDC Intensifies Contact Tracing

The NCDC has convened an incident management meeting and is finalising its incident action plan to coordinate Nigeria’s response.

The agency said its teams were prioritising case management, enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and public risk communication.

The national response includes identifying people who may have been exposed to the patient and monitoring them for symptoms during the prescribed period.

Health authorities have emphasised that being identified as a contact does not automatically mean a person is infected.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has urged countries in the region to maintain heightened vigilance to ensure early detection and prevent further transmission.

The Bundibugyo strain is a rare type of Ebola virus first identified during an outbreak in Uganda in 2007. It can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, as well as contaminated materials.

According to the report, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease.

Senate Demands Screening at Entry Points

The Senate has called on the Federal Government to introduce mandatory health screening for passengers arriving through international airports, seaports and designated land borders.

The lawmakers also demanded emergency funding to strengthen disease surveillance, equip Port Health Services and prepare treatment and isolation centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Ondo South Senator Francis Faduyile, who warned that Nigeria faced a high risk of importing Ebola.

The Senate proposed health declaration forms, temperature checks and symptom screening for international arrivals, with enhanced monitoring for travellers who had visited or transited affected areas within the preceding 21 days.

It also directed relevant committees to inspect major entry points, engage government agencies and report back within four weeks.

The House of Representatives separately urged the Federal Government to strengthen emergency medical measures and release outstanding funds allocated to relevant health agencies.

States Activate Emergency Measures

Several state governments have stepped up preparedness following the confirmation of the Abuja case.

In Anambra State, authorities said 40 people of interest had been followed up. Of these, 33 completed their monitoring period and were cleared, while seven remained under active follow-up as of October 20.

Ogun State also reported monitoring 111 people of interest, who were discharged after completing the required surveillance period. The state said it had recorded no confirmed Ebola case as of October 21.

Niger State has placed its health system on high alert and activated emergency operations, while preparations for an isolation centre are being completed.

In Yobe State, surveillance teams, isolation arrangements and contact-tracing mechanisms have been established across all 17 local government areas.

The Enugu State Government has reactivated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and strengthened surveillance across its 17 local government areas. It also said monitoring around Akanu Ibiam International Airport was being reinforced.

Kano State has similarly reactivated its emergency operations centre and urged residents to report suspected cases promptly.

Ekiti State has strengthened laboratory training, surveillance, public awareness and infection prevention measures, including the stockpiling of personal protective equipment.

The measures are intended to improve early detection, protect healthcare workers and limit the risk of transmission.

Health Authorities Urge Vigilance

The Federal Government and public health authorities have urged Nigerians to rely on verified information and avoid spreading rumours about the outbreak.

Residents are advised to practise good hand hygiene, avoid contact with the bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed cases and report possible exposure to health authorities.

Anyone who suspects they may have been exposed should seek guidance from public health officials, even if they feel well. People who develop symptoms after possible exposure should contact health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.

The NCDC and other relevant agencies are continuing surveillance and contact tracing as Nigeria works to contain the imported case.