The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced the results of laboratory tests conducted on two individuals suspected of having Ebola Virus Disease in Yola, Adamawa State.
Politics Nigeria reports that the agency confirmed that both individuals tested negative for the disease after undergoing two rounds of laboratory testing.
The development means that no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case has been recorded in Adamawa State following the initial report that raised concerns about a possible outbreak in the area.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
He said the agency had been working closely with the Adamawa State Government to investigate the suspected cases and determine the cause of the individuals’ illnesses.
According to Idris, the Adamawa Public Health Emergency Operations Centre received the report in the early hours of October 30.
The report followed the identification of two individuals who presented symptoms consistent with those associated with Ebola Virus Disease.
Following the report, health authorities immediately activated response measures. Both individuals were isolated to prevent any possible transmission while medical samples were collected for laboratory investigation.
The NCDC also worked with relevant health officials in the state to ensure that necessary public health procedures were followed.
The measures included investigations into the suspected infections and steps to establish whether the individuals had contracted the deadly viral disease.
However, the results of the two rounds of laboratory testing eventually ruled out Ebola infection in both individuals.
Idris explained that the negative results had confirmed that there was currently no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case in Adamawa State.
He also commended the state Commissioner for Health and other members of the health team for their prompt response after receiving information about the suspected infections.
The NCDC director-general said the agency would continue providing technical assistance to the Adamawa Government to strengthen its public health response and ensure that any potential health threat was identified and addressed promptly.
He further clarified that the previously confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory remained Nigeria’s only laboratory-confirmed case.
The clarification comes amid growing public attention following reports that two individuals had developed symptoms suspected to be associated with Ebola in the North-East.
Idris urged Nigerians not to panic over the development. He also cautioned against spreading unverified reports, rumours and information capable of creating unnecessary fear among members of the public.
He advised citizens to depend on official communications from the NCDC, state health authorities and other recognised public health institutions for accurate information about the situation.
The NCDC boss stressed that Ebola remains a serious infectious disease that requires immediate attention whenever a suspected infection is identified.
He explained that early detection, proper medical care and effective infection prevention measures are important in controlling the spread of the disease.
He listed some of the symptoms that members of the public should watch out for. These include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Unexplained bleeding is also among the symptoms associated with the disease.
Idris advised anyone experiencing such symptoms to seek medical attention without delay, particularly if they had recently travelled to an area affected by Ebola or had contact with someone suspected of carrying the virus.
He also urged individuals to provide healthcare workers with accurate information about their travel history and possible exposure to infected persons.
Such information, he explained, would assist medical personnel in assessing potential risks and determining the appropriate course of treatment.
The NCDC director-general warned against self-medication, stressing that people experiencing symptoms should not attempt to manage their conditions without professional medical guidance.
He maintained that the agency, in collaboration with the Adamawa State Government and other relevant stakeholders, would continue monitoring the situation. Further information would be made available as verified updates emerged.
The latest development provides reassurance following the initial identification of the two suspected cases.
However, health authorities have maintained that vigilance and compliance with established public health guidelines remain necessary.
Recall that POLITICS NIGERIA reported on Saturday that the NCDC had identified two suspected Ebola cases in Nigeria’s North-East region.
The agency had initially announced that both individuals were isolated while contact identification and listing were ongoing.
Laboratory investigations were also being conducted to establish whether the suspected infections were actually Ebola cases.
In its earlier announcement, the NCDC cautioned Nigerians against interpreting the identification of suspected cases as confirmation of an outbreak.
“Being classified as suspected cases does not mean they are confirmed Ebola cases; confirmation is subject to laboratory results.”
The agency also advised members of the public to maintain proper hand hygiene, practise enhanced sanitation and follow instructions from public health authorities while investigations continued.
The latest laboratory results have now established that the two suspected cases in Adamawa were not Ebola infections.
Nevertheless, the NCDC has reiterated the need for continued surveillance and cooperation between federal and state health authorities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
