Two New Suspected Ebola Cases in North East Test Negative, Says NCDC

By NewsDESK –

Barely five days after the first imported case of Ebola virus disease was evacuated to Switzerland, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC has confirmed that two new suspected cases of the disease tested negative in the North East state of Adamawa.

The NCDC had earlier yesterday reported that two suspected cases were identified in the North-east, and that they were isolated, with contact identification and laboratory testing ongoing.

However, in an update released last night, NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, said the cases, which were identified in Yola, Adamawa State, had returned negative after two rounds of testing.
“Samples were collected for laboratory testing to establish the cause of the illness. Fortunately, the samples turned out negative for EBV after two rounds of testing,” Idris said.

He clarified that there was no laboratory-confirmed EVD case in Adamawa State, adding that the index case previously confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, remained the only confirmed case in Nigeria.

While commending the Adamawa State Government for its proactive response, Idris urged the public to remain calm, avoid sharing unverified information and continue to practise good hand hygiene and enhanced sanitation.

He assured that NCDC would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as verified information becomes available.
NCDC had initially said it identified two suspected cases of the disease in the North-east geopolitical zone.
The agency, which did not disclose the particular state, added that laboratory testing was being conducted to determine whether the individuals had contracted the disease.

“Two suspected cases of Ebola disease have been identified in Nigeria’s North-east region. Both individuals have been isolated, contact identification and listing are ongoing, and laboratory testing is being conducted.

“Being classified as suspected cases does not mean they are confirmed Ebola cases; confirmation is subject to laboratory results,” the statement read.