FG Confirms Imported Ebola Case in FCT, Begins Contact Tracing

The Federal Government has confirmed an imported case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance and commence contact tracing to prevent further transmission.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, stating that laboratory tests confirmed the infection in a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.

According to the minister, the patient returned to Nigeria on October 7, 2026, with symptoms that worsened four days later. She was subsequently admitted to a private hospital, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.

The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, while public health officials work to identify and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

Authorities Identify 44 Contacts
As part of efforts to contain the infection, health authorities have identified 44 contacts and commenced tracing activities to determine whether further exposure occurred.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the FCT Health Secretariat, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other partners are coordinating the response.

The government is also strengthening surveillance at the country’s points of entry to improve the detection of suspected cases and reduce the risk of further importation.

Pate urged public and private healthcare facilities to remain vigilant and maintain a high index of suspicion for Ebola, stressing the importance of early detection, prompt reporting and effective infection prevention measures.

He also called on Nigerians to remain calm, practise good hygiene and cooperate with public health officials.

Public Advised to Watch for Symptoms
The minister advised members of the public to remain alert to symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, weakness, headache and diarrhoea.

Ebola is a severe viral disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person, as well as contaminated materials.

Health authorities advise anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure to seek immediate medical guidance and disclose relevant travel or contact history. People should avoid direct contact with anyone suspected of having the infection and follow instructions from public health officials.

Regional Outbreak Raises Concern
The confirmation comes amid reports of an ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, raising concerns about the risk of cross-border transmission.

Kenya’s health ministry has also reportedly confirmed its ninth case linked to the outbreak, highlighting the challenges health authorities face in containing infections across multiple countries.

Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya has described the outbreak as exceptionally widespread geographically, affecting countries across three African regions.

Nigeria’s disease surveillance agency had earlier warned that international travel and population movement could increase the risk of Ebola being imported into the country.

In a statement dated October 6, 2026, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said there was no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria at that time and noted that the detection of cases in other countries underscored the need for heightened preparedness.

Nigeria Activates Lessons from Previous Outbreak
Nigeria is drawing on its experience in containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak, when coordinated surveillance, contact tracing and public health interventions helped prevent sustained transmission.

The government says the current response is focused on monitoring identified contacts, strengthening surveillance, ensuring appropriate patient care and preventing further spread.

Authorities have pledged to provide timely updates as investigations and containment efforts continue.

The public has been urged to rely on official information, observe recommended hygiene practices and report suspected cases promptly as health agencies work to contain the infection.