The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health and Human Services Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, has dismissed rumours of an Ebola outbreak in Abuja, confirming that a suspected case, known only as “Patient X,” tested negative for both the Ebola and Marburg viruses.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Fasawe said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) carried out tests on two recent suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases, both of which came back negative.
She credited the Administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for establishing an “efficient surveillance system” and activating the Emergency Operating Centre—two key measures that helped quickly isolate and investigate the case.
“This meeting is a sort of verification. You have asked what is going on, is Ebola in the FCT? And on behalf of the Minister, I say today that Ebola is not in FCT. Confirmed, verified, and said with authority,” Dr. Fasawe said.
She also commended the patient for promptly seeking medical help, and praised the hospital (Nisa Premier) for following protocols, including isolating the patient and taking samples.
“There was a possible one case that we were determined would not spread further than that one case. … I want to commend patient X for her health‑seeking habits. She came in with a fever; she didn’t even go home, she went straight to a hospital.”
Dr. Fasawe warned against panic and misinformation, reminding residents to treat every fever with caution and to report to the nearest health centre if symptoms of illness arise.
