The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has dismissed rumours linking the Ebola outbreak to a possible postponement of the election, saying Nigeria has no confirmed cases.
NCDC Director-General Dr Jide Idris spoke at a virtual capacity-building workshop for journalists on effective Ebola reporting on Tuesday in Lagos. He warned that misinformation could undermine containment efforts.
Idris said 54 primary contacts linked to a woman evacuated to Switzerland remained under daily surveillance. Three contacts who developed symptoms last week tested negative for Ebola.
He cautioned that the absence of a confirmed case did not mean Nigeria had been declared Ebola-free. Surveillance and contact tracing must continue until authorities establish that there has been no further transmission.
“The fact that we currently have no confirmed case does not mean we should declare Nigeria Ebola-free.
“We must continue surveillance and ensure that all contacts are properly monitored,” he said.
Idris said the woman’s infection was confirmed on Oct. 20, after she returned to Abuja from Uganda. She was evacuated to Switzerland on Oct. 26 with her husband, at the Swiss government’s request and expense.
He said the patient’s condition had improved before her departure, adding that her evacuation should not be interpreted as a vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Most of the 54 contacts were quarantined in Abuja, while a few were self-isolating at home. Surveillance also included identifying secondary contacts who may have interacted with them, Idris said.
“Three contacts developed symptoms and were tested, but all returned negative results.
“However, we cannot stop monitoring them because the results are reassuring,” he said.
Idris also confirmed the approval of ₦100,000 in weekly support for quarantined contacts to help ease the financial burden of movement restrictions and encourage cooperation with public health authorities.
He said the support followed concerns about the welfare of those affected. The agency was also engaging the Federal Capital Territory Administration about its responsibilities to people in quarantine.
Idris urged journalists to verify information through official channels, promptly correct false reports and avoid publishing details that could identify patients or contacts. He warned that stigma could harm affected families and healthcare facilities.
He reiterated that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person who is sick—not through the air.
Anyone experiencing a fever with a relevant travel or contact history should call the designated response hotline, 6232, before visiting a healthcare facility.
