Ebola case confirmed in Nigeria’s capital

Nigeria confirms an Ebola case in its capital, Abuja, after a woman who had flown in from Uganda tested positive for the virus. She began showing symptoms on Oct. 7, was admitted to a private hospital on Oct. 11, and was later diagnosed with Ebola.

Contact tracing

Health Minister Muhammad Pate said authorities are tracing 44 contacts who may have been exposed to the patient. The ministry is doing everything possible to contain the case by tracing all contacts.

Uganda had previously reported Ebola cases but declared itself free of the virus. Uganda's Ministry said the patient had only transited through Uganda and is a Nigerian woman who had been on a business trip to Congo's eastern region.

Nigeria is the latest country to report a case as the outbreak spreads across the region. Kenya confirmed its first case earlier this month and has recorded nine infections. Dr. Jean Kaseya of the Africa Centers for Disease Control warned of a serious threat, with a nearly 50 % fatality rate.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has stepped up surveillance following the detection of Ebola in Kenya and strengthened the country’s preparedness for a potential outbreak. Its efforts focus on early detection, isolation, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication and protection of health care workers.