The Federal Government has disclosed that the confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is genetically related to the Ebola case recently identified in Kenya.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, saying genomic sequencing conducted by scientists showed a genetic link between the two viruses.
He, however, clarified that the genomic findings do not establish direct transmission between the Kenyan and Nigerian cases.
“The virus from the FCT case is genetically similar to the strain found in Kenya, but we have not established any travel history or direct contact. Investigation is ongoing,” Pate said.
The FCT case, which is the wife of a Swiss diplomat based in Abuja, was confirmed on Tuesday after presenting symptoms at a private hospital.
Following the development, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it has stepped up surveillance at all points of entry, airports and hospitals, and will commence daily public updates on the situation.
Nigerians have been urged to remain calm, observe hand hygiene, avoid contact with suspected cases and report any symptoms immediately.