By Desire Uzochukwu
Genomic analysis has shown that the Ebola virus detected in Nigeria’s confirmed case is closely related to the strain identified in Kenya’s index case, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has said.
However, Pate cautioned that the finding does not establish a direct transmission link between the two cases, noting that there was no evidence that the Kenyan index patient had travelled to Nigeria.
He said further genomic analysis could provide additional information about the relationship between the viruses, although it might not conclusively establish how the virus reached Nigeria.
“We still have only one confirmed case. The contacts have been traced, quarantined, and we are conducting additional tests, some of which are negative and others are pending,” the minister said.
Pate disclosed this on Friday night while providing an update on Nigeria’s Ebola response, assuring Nigerians that health authorities were sustaining surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and case management to prevent further transmission.
He said the genomic analysis was conducted using the laboratory infrastructure of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, and research facilities led by Professor Christian Happi at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
“That case appears to be closely related to the case identified in the index case in Kenya,” Pate said.
The minister said the government was also strengthening infection prevention and control measures in health facilities, with plans to train healthcare workers to identify suspected cases, protect themselves and promptly notify public health authorities.
“All hospitals should be sensitised and health workers be aware and, when there are suspected cases, to notify public health authorities,” he said.
Pate urged Nigerians to remain vigilant without panicking, explaining that Ebola is not transmitted through the air but spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person.
“Ebola is a disease that is so far not transmitted through airborne. It’s transmitted through close contact with body fluids,” he said.
He advised the public to rely on information from the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, rather than unverified reports circulating on social media.
The minister also said the government was refining guidance for mass gatherings and public activities as part of efforts to protect public health while ensuring that decisions remained guided by evidence and established preventive measures.
Speaking, NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said the agency would begin issuing regular public briefings to explain developments, outline preventive measures and inform Nigerians about the actions required to limit the risk of transmission.
Idris stressed the importance of environmental control, personal hygiene and handwashing, drawing lessons from Nigeria’s response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
“It’s a contact issue. So, we need to address the issue of environmental control, personal hygiene, and hand washing,” he said.
He said containing the disease required cooperation among government agencies, healthcare workers and the public, adding that regular communication would help Nigerians understand the situation and their role in preventing transmission.
Pate reassured the public that health authorities were working to contain the virus and prevent its spread into communities.
“There is no need to panic, but it is important to follow public health preventive measures that have been clearly identified,” he said.
