No Ebola in Abuja, FCTA assures residents

The Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Abuja, even as it urged heightened vigilance following recent outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and other neighbouring African countries. In […]

The Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Abuja, even as it urged heightened vigilance following recent outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and other neighbouring African countries.
In a public health advisory issued by the Office of the Mandate Secretary, the secretariat urged residents to strictly adhere to preventive measures and remain alert to early symptoms of the disease, stressing that preparedness remains critical given Abuja’s status as Nigeria’s administrative and transportation hub.
The advisory, signed by the Mandate Secretary, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, noted that the FCT receives a high volume of domestic and international travellers daily through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, interstate transport terminals, as well as diplomatic and business engagements, making robust surveillance necessary.
It explained that Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal viral illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or contaminated items of infected persons, as well as infected animals such as bats and primates.
The statement clarified that the disease is not airborne like influenza or COVID-19 under normal circumstances.
Residents were advised to watch out for symptoms including sudden fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle and throat pain, as well as later signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash, bleeding and difficulty breathing.
The FCTA urged anyone exhibiting symptoms, particularly those with recent travel history to affected areas or contact with suspected cases, to seek immediate medical attention and avoid self-medication or movement between multiple health facilities.
The advisory further disclosed that the FCT Public Health Department has intensified event-based surveillance across all six area councils, strengthened infection prevention and control measures in health facilities, and scaled up risk communication activities.
It added that coordination mechanisms have also been reinforced through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) to ensure rapid response to any suspected case.
The advisory noted that healthcare facilities across the territory have been directed to improve triage screening at entry points, promptly isolate suspected cases, ensure adequate supply and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and continuously train health workers on infection prevention protocols.
The FCTA also called on residents to remain calm, avoid spreading rumours, and rely only on verified information from the HSES, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It stressed that vigilance, early reporting, personal hygiene and strict adherence to health guidelines remain the strongest defence against any potential spread of Ebola Virus Disease in the FCT.