The Federal Government has ruled out an immediate ban on conferences and other large gatherings following Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola case, saying there is currently no evidence of community transmission.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate announced the decision at a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, adding that any restrictions would depend on scientific evidence and expert advice.
“At this moment, there is no indication that requires us to alter the course of large gatherings that have been planned,” Pate said.
He, however, warned that the government could change its position if the situation worsened.
The government has also directed ministries, departments and agencies to reduce visiting foreign delegations, particularly those arriving from or travelling through countries affected by Ebola.
Pate said the patient’s condition was improving, with laboratory results showing encouraging signs.
“Today, I spoke to the clinicians and I understand that her lab results are showing great improvement and there’s a possibility that she would recover from this,” he said.
The patient, a woman who arrived in Nigeria from Uganda, tested positive for Ebola on October 20 after developing symptoms several days after her arrival.
The Federal Ministry of Health said 44 contacts had been identified and were being monitored, including health workers and people who may have been exposed to the patient.
The government has intensified contact tracing, surveillance at airports and other entry points, and public awareness campaigns to prevent further infections.
Meanwhile, 21 states have updated their Ebola preparedness and response plans, while 15 states are yet to do so, Pate said.
He urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified information and to follow guidance from health authorities.
The World Health Organization has also called for stronger surveillance and preparedness across the region as the outbreak continues to spread.
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