Nigeria has confirmed its first case in the current Ebola outbreak, an imported infection in Abuja, while officials monitor 44 contacts and Africa CDC prepares an emergency meeting about the disease’s spread across the continent.
The patient is a woman who recently traveled to Uganda. She developed symptoms on Oct. 7 and sought care at a private health facility four days later. Laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus on Oct. 20.
Health authorities say she is isolated and receiving care. Investigations continue to find where she was infected. They are also tracing anyone else who may have been exposed.
Nigeria’s disease-control agency has activated its incident-management system. Measures to prevent infections are being strengthened at the facility where the woman was treated. The outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May.
It has also spread to Kenya. WHO reported 9,637 confirmed cases and 4,646 deaths in the DRC as of Oct. 19. Africa CDC has called African health ministers to a virtual meeting on Oct. 28.
The meeting is intended to coordinate responses across borders and preparations. WHO is supporting Nigerian authorities with investigating the case and tracing contacts. It is also providing protective supplies.
WHO has urged countries in the region to remain alert.