The Federal Government has confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with 44 close contacts identified as public health authorities intensify efforts to prevent further spread of the infection.
The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed through laboratory tests on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the Federal Government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities were working together to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.
According to the statement, contact tracing has commenced, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed to the patient, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.
Surveillance has also been intensified, while the affected hospital is receiving immediate support to strengthen its infection prevention and control measures.
The Federal Government has called on public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert, urging healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases to public health authorities.
The government 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.
It stressed that an infected person cannot transmit the disease before symptoms begin.
Nigerians have been advised to remain calm but vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
The government also urged the public to watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
Anyone who suspects they may have been exposed has been advised to report immediately to public health authorities, even if they feel well. Those who develop symptoms should avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
The statement further urged people contacted during the tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to provide the necessary information and comply with public health advice.
It warned against spreading rumours or stigmatising affected persons, urging Nigerians to rely on verified information from official health authorities.
Pate said Nigeria had successfully contained Ebola in 2014 and had the experience and public health systems required to respond to the current case, while emphasising that preventing further transmission required public cooperation.
He added that investigations were ongoing and that the Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners would continue to provide accurate and timely updates.
The government said the Presidential Taskforce on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and the NCDC would continue to provide updates on the situation.
Members of the public can contact the NCDC’s 24-hour toll-free call centre on 6232 for information or to report a suspected case.
