The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has approved an emergency allowance of ₦100,000 per person weekly for individuals placed in isolation or quarantine as part of efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this during a press briefing on Sunday, explaining that the financial support was introduced after some contacts raised concerns about the cost of feeding, accommodation and maintaining their families while undergoing public health monitoring.
Idris said the payment was an emergency measure that had not been included in the agency’s original plans but became necessary under the circumstances.
He explained that the arrangement would be reviewed as the outbreak response progressed.
The NCDC chief also stressed that the responsibility for managing public health emergencies should not rest solely with the FCT administration, noting that other states would need to make adequate financial and logistical provisions if similar situations arose.
According to him, health authorities had identified 53 primary contacts linked to the confirmed Ebola case in Abuja. The contacts include healthcare workers, household members and personnel involved in handling samples from the patient.
The contacts are being monitored according to their level of exposure, while those who develop symptoms are to undergo medical assessment and testing.
Idris said one contact who reported feeling unwell had tested negative, while surveillance and follow-up activities were continuing.
The confirmed case involved a woman who travelled to Nigeria from Uganda and tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus on October 20.
Health authorities are continuing contact tracing, monitoring and infection-prevention measures to limit the risk of further transmission.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to rely on verified information, avoid spreading rumours and cooperate with public health officials as response efforts continue.
