Two Suspected Ebola Cases In Adamawa Test Negative, NCDC Source Confirms

The two suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) reported in Nigeria’s North-East have tested negative following laboratory analysis, a reliable source at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed.

The two cases were recorded in Adamawa State, amid heightened surveillance by health authorities following Nigeria’s recent confirmation of an imported Ebola infection in Abuja.

The source, who spoke in Abuja on Saturday, said laboratory analysis of samples collected from the suspected patients returned negative results, ruling out Ebola infection in both cases.

The clarification comes hours after the NCDC announced the identification of two suspected Ebola cases in the North-East, disclosing that both individuals had been isolated while contact identification, listing and laboratory investigations were ongoing.

In its public update, the agency cautioned that being classified as suspected cases did not mean the individuals had contracted the virus, stressing that confirmation would depend on laboratory results.

Although the NCDC’s initial announcement did not identify the affected states, the source subsequently disclosed that the two suspected cases were recorded in Adamawa.

The development comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s ongoing response to a confirmed case of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola involving a 42-year-old woman who travelled from Uganda to Abuja in October.

The Federal Government had activated emergency response measures, including isolation, surveillance and contact tracing, following confirmation of the imported infection on October 20.

Health authorities have continued to urge Nigerians to observe proper hand hygiene, maintain good sanitation practices and comply with public health advisories.

The NCDC has also assured the public that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.