Abuja under threat as suspected Ebola victim dies in hospital

Authorities in the Federal Capital Territor have announced that a patient suspected to have Ebola-like symptoms has died, days before his test results could be confirmed.

This was disclosed in a statement signed today, September 1, by the Head, Public Relations Unit, Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS) of FCTA, Mr. Badaru Yakassai.

Yakassai said that the patient was isolated on August 28 by the Family Medicine unit of Asokoro District hospital when he came in with ebola-like symptoms.

According to him, strict infection control measures were immediately instituted.

He said: "Blood sample was then taken to the designated FCT Ebola testing laboratory which happens to be within the Hospital premises.

"The epidemiology unit of Public Health Department of the HHSS was notified and their response was immediate. The results of the Ebola testing was being expected from the Laboratory four days later, on Monday, September 1, 2014".

"The case also served as a drill case to test the preparedness of the Hospital to manage and contain Ebola disease. Clinical assessment however did not reveal any history of contact or travel".