By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government has intensified measures to contain the Ebola virus disease (EVD) following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring. 
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, disclosed this in a press statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, saying it was working through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant agencies to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.
Contact tracing has commenced, with response teams working to identify, assess and monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus.
Those being considered for monitoring include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals linked to the woman’s travel.
The government said surveillance, laboratory testing and other response activities were also being coordinated in line with established public health protocols.
It explained that the measures were designed to facilitate the early identification of potential cases, strengthen infection prevention and control, and minimise the risk of further transmission.
Reassuring Nigerians of its commitment to public safety, the government urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
“The Federal Government reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerians and all residents.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, avoid speculation and misinformation, and adhere strictly to advisories issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and other relevant health authorities,” the statement said.
The government further encouraged the public to rely exclusively on verified information from official government channels.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would continue to liaise with relevant national institutions and other stakeholders in support of the coordinated response.
“Further updates will be issued through official channels as verified information becomes available,” the statement added.
Adeniyi thanked the public and relevant stakeholders for their cooperation as authorities work to contain the infection and protect public health.
