FCT Declares Ebola-Free Status After Suspected Case Tests Negative

By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul

Health authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say Abuja remains free of Ebola Virus Disease after a suspected case tested negative.

Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Secretariat, told reporters on Friday that the patient referred to as “Patient X” had recently travelled from Rwanda, which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo where Ebola is present.

She commended the individual for promptly seeking medical care and the hospital for swiftly isolating the case and alerting authorities.

“This is not the first suspected case this year, but thanks to an efficient surveillance system and our Emergency Operations Centre, we’ve been able to respond effectively,” Dr Fasawe said.

She urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, stressing that the FCT is working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to step up border screening, especially at airports.

“Every fever is not malaria,” she warned, advising residents to report any unusual symptoms, particularly unexplained bleeding.

Dr Fasawe also highlighted new investments in the health sector, confirming that 37 doctors have been hired, with nearly 300 more healthcare professionals expected to join. She credited FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for approving long-overdue allowances and reforms to improve staffing stability.

Meanwhile, the President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Dr Osundayo Tope Zenith, thanked the minister and FCT health authorities for responding to doctors’ concerns, stressing their recent strike was aimed at improving conditions, not politics.

Also present at the briefing were senior health officials including Dr Babagana Adams, Permanent Secretary of the Health Secretariat, and ARD Chairman, Dr George Obong.