Nigeria Confirms Imported Ebola Case in FCT, Begins Contact Tracing

The Federal Government has confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), triggering public health measures to prevent further spread of the infection.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this at a media conference in Abuja on Tuesday, following laboratory confirmation of the case on October 20, 2026.

Pate said the patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was in isolation and receiving medical care.

He described the infection as “a contained case,” assuring Nigerians that the government was working with relevant authorities and partners to prevent further transmission.

According to the minister, the woman had been admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.

Contact tracing has commenced, with 44 close contacts identified so far. Public health teams are working to identify and monitor others who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

“Surveillance has also been intensified, and the private hospital where the patient was treated is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures,” Pate said.

FG Urges Vigilance, Hygiene

The minister urged public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain on high alert, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, and maintain strict infection prevention and control measures.

He also advised Nigerians to observe regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola, and report possible exposure to public health authorities.

Pate explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died from the disease, as well as contact with contaminated materials.

He listed symptoms to watch for as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly among people who may have been exposed to the virus.

The minister advised anyone who might have been exposed to report to health authorities immediately, even if they felt well. Those who develop symptoms should avoid close contact with others and contact public health officials for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

He also urged people contacted as part of the tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to provide the requested information and comply with public health advice.

Pate cautioned against rumours, misinformation and stigmatisation, urging the public to rely on verified information from official health authorities.

Recalling Nigeria’s successful containment of an Ebola outbreak in 2014, the minister expressed confidence in the country’s experience and public health systems but stressed that public cooperation, early detection and prompt reporting remained critical to preventing further transmission.

“The Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and NCDC will continue to provide updates,” he said.

He added that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s toll-free call centre was available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“For information or to report a suspected case, please call NCDC toll-free number 6232,” Pate said.

The case is Nigeria’s first confirmed infection linked to the current regional outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus, according to reports published on October 20.