The Federal Government has confirmed an Ebola virus disease case in Abuja, with health authorities tracing 44 people who may have been exposed to the infection.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the development on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following laboratory confirmation of the case. He said the patient, a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda, was receiving medical care in isolation at a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).Â
According to the minister, the woman developed symptoms on October 7 and sought medical attention at the hospital on October 11. Health authorities subsequently confirmed the infection through laboratory tests.
However, the government has commenced contact tracing to identify and monitor people who may have come into contact with the patient. The 44 identified contacts include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people linked to her travel.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the FCT health authorities are coordinating efforts to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.
The government has also directed public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert, promptly isolate suspected cases and report them to public health authorities. Officials are strengthening infection prevention and control measures at the hospital where the patient received treatment.
FG Urges Public Vigilance
Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm, observe proper hygiene and cooperate with health officials conducting contact tracing.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, as well as contaminated materials. Symptoms may include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The NCDC advises people who suspect exposure to the virus to contact public health authorities for guidance rather than visit a healthcare facility without prior advice. Its toll-free line is 6232.
The government has also urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from official health authorities and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports or stigmatising people who may have been exposed. While the authorities continue to monitor the situation as they work to identify possible exposures and prevent further transmission.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
