The Federal Government has confirmed a case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and commenced contact tracing to prevent further transmission, with 44 close contacts identified so far.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following laboratory confirmation of the infection.
According to the statement, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She was reportedly admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.
The woman is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, while public health authorities have intensified efforts to contain the infection and prevent further spread.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the FCT Health Services Secretariat are coordinating the response in collaboration with other relevant authorities.
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FG Begins Contact Tracing, Intensifies Surveillance
The government said public health teams had identified 44 close contacts of the confirmed case and commenced tracing to determine whether other individuals might have been exposed to the virus.
Those being considered for follow-up include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts who may have had contact with the patient.
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Authorities are also working to identify additional potential contacts and monitor their health status as part of efforts to interrupt possible chains of transmission.
Meanwhile, surveillance activities have been intensified, while the private hospital where the woman received treatment is being supported to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
The Federal Government has also directed public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert and promptly report suspected Ebola infections to the relevant public health authorities.
Healthcare workers have been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, identify and isolate suspected cases without delay, and strictly observe infection prevention and control protocols.
Nigerians Urged to Observe Ebola Prevention Measures
Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm while observing recommended preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.
He advised members of the public to wash their hands regularly and avoid contact with the blood and other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
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The minister identified fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea among the symptoms people should watch for, particularly if they may have been exposed to the virus.
The government advised anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure to avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
It also appealed to individuals contacted by public health teams during the tracing exercise, including potentially exposed airline passengers, to provide the necessary information and comply with official instructions.
The authorities said public cooperation would be critical to identifying potential infections early and preventing further transmission.
Nigeria on Alert Amid Regional Ebola Concerns
The confirmation comes amid concerns about the risk of Ebola spreading across countries in the region.
In an advisory issued on October 6, the NCDC reportedly raised concerns about the possibility of importing the infection following a confirmed case in Kenya linked to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, as well as contaminated objects and surfaces.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incubation period ranges from two to 21 days. People infected with the virus do not transmit it before symptoms develop.
The period between exposure and the onset of symptoms makes contact tracing and monitoring essential components of outbreak response efforts.
Government Cites Nigeria’s Experience in Ebola Response
Nigeria previously contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 after an infected traveler introduced the virus into the country.
The response involved rapid identification and isolation of cases, contact tracing, surveillance and coordinated public health interventions to limit further transmission.
Reassuring Nigerians, Pate said the country had the experience and public health systems required to respond to the current case.
However, he stressed that preventing further spread would depend on effective coordination among health authorities, compliance with public health guidance and cooperation from members of the public.
The Federal Government said investigations were ongoing, adding that the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC would continue to provide updates as more information became available.
Members of the public seeking information about Ebola or wishing to report a suspected case can contact the NCDC’s toll-free call centre on 6232, which the government said operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Authorities have urged Nigerians to rely on official public health updates, report suspected symptoms promptly and avoid spreading unverified information as response efforts continue.
