Nigeria must complete a 42-day monitoring period before it can officially be declared free of Ebola, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

The announcement follows the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the country and the subsequent medical evacuation of the infected patient and her husband to Switzerland.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, explained that health authorities must continue monitoring people who came into contact with the infected patient.

He said the identified contacts must undergo an initial 21-day monitoring period, followed by another 21-day period, bringing the total to 42 days before Nigeria can be declared Ebola-free.

The monitoring process is part of established WHO protocols for responding to Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers.

Nigeria Reports No Active Ebola Cases Following Patient’s Evacuation

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, had earlier announced that Nigeria had no active Ebola cases following the medical evacuation of the infected patient and her husband to Switzerland.

The patient was reportedly in a clinically stable condition after receiving treatment from Nigerian medical personnel.

According to Janabi, the Nigerian medical team successfully managed the patient during the acute phase of the illness before her evacuation.

The patient and her husband were subsequently transferred to Switzerland, where the country’s health authorities would take responsibility for her continued treatment and the monitoring of her husband.

However, the evacuation does not mean that Nigeria’s public health response has ended.

Health authorities must continue monitoring the people who had contact with the patient to ensure that any possible further transmission is detected early.

Why Does Nigeria Need 42 Days of Monitoring?

Ebola is a viral disease that can cause severe illness and death. It belongs to a group of infections known as viral haemorrhagic fevers.

According to Dr Ihekweazu, every confirmed Ebola case requires a coordinated public health response because of the potential risks associated with the disease.

The 42-day monitoring requirement is based on established international protocols.

The monitoring process helps health authorities identify anyone who may develop symptoms after exposure to an infected person.

It also allows medical teams to respond quickly if another case is detected.

The WHO official explained that the monitoring period involves following identified contacts for 21 days and completing an additional 21-day period before the country can be declared Ebola-free.

WHO Commends Nigeria’s Response to the Ebola Case

Dr Ihekweazu commended Nigeria’s response to the confirmed case, particularly the speed of laboratory testing, confirmation and virus sequencing.

He also praised the medical team responsible for managing the patient before her evacuation.

He clarified that the decision to evacuate the patient to Switzerland was made at the request of her country of origin and was not due to a lack of capacity to manage Ebola in Nigeria.

The WHO official said Nigeria had implemented the recommended response measures and that the organisation would continue supporting the country’s health authorities.

Will Nigerians Face Restrictions on Public Gatherings?

Following concerns about the Ebola case, questions were raised about whether political rallies, public events and other large gatherings would be restricted.

However, Dr Ihekweazu said the WHO had not recommended additional restrictions on public gatherings.

He explained that the organisation’s recommendations were based on technical public health assessments rather than political considerations.

For now, the priority is to continue monitoring identified contacts, detect any possible new transmission early and respond appropriately.

What Nigerians Should Know About Ebola

Although Nigeria’s response to the imported case remains under monitoring, understanding Ebola and its symptoms is important.

Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died, or through contaminated materials.

Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle pain and weakness
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Unexplained bleeding in some cases

Symptoms usually begin between two and 21 days after exposure.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to Ebola and develops symptoms should contact a healthcare professional or public health authority immediately. They should avoid direct contact with other people while seeking medical guidance.

People should also avoid spreading unverified information about suspected cases and follow updates from recognised health authorities.

What Happens Next?

Nigeria’s immediate priority is to complete the required monitoring process and ensure that all identified contacts are properly followed up.

Health authorities will continue surveillance and preparedness measures while the monitoring period runs its course.

The WHO has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s response so far and will continue supporting the country throughout the process.

Until the required monitoring period is completed without further cases, Nigeria cannot officially be declared Ebola-free.