The Federal Government and state governments have intensified disease surveillance, contact tracing and emergency preparedness following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain in Abuja. 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the strain after three rounds of molecular testing. Officials reported on Wednesday that the infected diplomat’s condition had deteriorated into multiple organ failure. However, subsequent reporting quoted the health minister as saying the patient was stable and improving.  

The Bundibugyo strain was first identified during an outbreak in Uganda in 2007. The virus can spread through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials.

The NCDC has activated its incident management system, focusing on case management, enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention and public awareness. The World Health Organization said 44 contacts had been identified for monitoring as of its October 20 update. 

Meanwhile, Anambra State has reportedly monitored 40 persons of interest, with 33 completing monitoring and seven remaining under follow-up. Niger State has placed its health system on high alert and activated emergency operations, while Ogun State is tracing 111 persons of interest.

Authorities say surveillance and preparedness measures are being strengthened to detect possible infections early and prevent further transmission.