Epidemic Hazard - Dengue Fever

On Sep 18, 2025, ProMED has been informed about a suspected viral haemorrhagic fever case identified at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja (Nigeria). The case, a man arrived from Rwanda on Sep 17, 2025, presented with hematemesis, epistaxis, melaena and reported a 10-day history of fever that did not respond to antibiotic treatment. ProMED source indicatec that the patient informed about “multiple hospital visits in Rwanda over the preceding three weeks”, suggesting that some symptoms were present for longer. An RFI has been sent to EpiCore members to support the collection of information about this case from reliable sources of information, mainly in terms of a final diagnosis and control measures implemented, as contact tracing at international and national level. The EpiCore network has confirmed the event and informed that the initial report about the case has been made by the State Epidemiologist of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja,in the afternoon of September 18, 2025. This report confirms that the case sought medical care on the day of his arrival in Abuja at Nisa Premier Hospital, where a severe clinical presentation, marked by haemorrhagic signs including epistaxis, hematemesis and melaena was documented. Based on the information provided by the network, the patient, a 32 year old male, travelled to Rwanda for tourism approximately 1 month prior, where he developed initially fever only and was treated with antibiotics. As some initial haemorrhagic signs were noted, the case was advised by a Rwandan physician to test for Lassa fever however he decided to return to Abuja by plane (Rwanda Air)and seek medical care in Nigeria. . The network has informed that the clinical team at Nisa Premier Hospital demonstrated vigilance and swiftly alerted the public health authorities, allowing a coordinated multi-level public health response. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Epidemiology Unit and the Area Council Rapid Response Team (RRT) were immediately mobilised to conduct a comprehensive case investigation and Infection Prevention and Control protocols were implemented at the involved hospital . The RRT ensured the secure collection and transport of patient samples to the designated public health laboratory for confirmatory analysis. In addition, collaborative efforts were initiated with airport and immigration authorities, and airline partners, to support contact tracing activities as necessary. Based on the network feedback, the case presented elevated WBC (neutrophilic leucocytosis) and samples were tested for all possible VHFs. The network informed that on September 19, 2025, Nigeria CDC confirmed that both the patient and another recent suspected case in Abuja tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses. The patient mentioned by media remains under medical care while awaiting the results of pending diagnostic tests for Lassa and Dengue fever. The NCDC stated that early reporting and alertness from the clinician and hospital team allowed for swift public health action, reducing risk to the public. The advisory also reassured the public by outlining Nigeria’s preparedness measures, including risk assessments, enhanced entry-point surveillance, and equipped isolation facilities and laboratories. The RFI has been supported with relevant contributions based on reliable sources of information. This summary may be updated in case of relevant updates provided by the network that are not available on official channels. OFFICIAL ONLINE SOURCES NCDC public health advisory (Sep 19, 2025): https://ncdc.gov.ng/news/531/ncdc-public-health-advisory-following-the-suspected-viral-haemorrhagic-fever-events-in-abuja%3A-what-nigerians-should-know ONLINE MEDIA QUOTING HEALTH AUTHORITIES (examples): - https://aljazirahnews.com/no-presence-of-ebola-disease-in-fct-health-secretary/ (Sep 21, 2025) - https://nigeriaworld.com/news/source/2025/sep/20/4.html (Sep 20, 2025) - https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/822288-ebola-fct-health-authorities-step-up-surveillance-urge-residents-to-remain-vigilant.html (Sep 19, 2025)