The federal government has confirmed one imported case of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and began tracing 44 close contacts.
The patient is a woman who recently arrived from Uganda on an international flight. She is in isolation at a private hospital in the FCT, according to a statement signed by Health Minister Muhammad Pate. She developed symptoms on October 7 and was admitted on October 11, before she was diagnosed.
Contact tracing has begun, with 44 close contacts identified so far. They include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Potentially exposed airline passengers were urged to give the required information and follow public health instructions.
The government asked all public and private health facilities to stay on high alert, isolate suspected cases quickly, follow strict infection control and report suspected cases at once.
It urged the public to stay calm, wash their hands and avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of suspected patients. Symptoms to watch for include severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) raised its preparedness level over the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
A September 22 advisory said travellers from affected countries could be required to complete a Health Declaration Form. It is not yet clear whether that screening helped detect this patient.
WHO reported more than 8,700 confirmed cases and more than 4,200 deaths in the DRC as of October 6, caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
Kenya has also reported imported cases. Uganda recorded 20 cases between May and June 2026, then declared its outbreak over.
The government said Nigeria contained Ebola in 2014 and has the experience and systems to respond again, but that everyone must play their part. WHO records show 19 confirmed cases, one probable case and eight deaths in that outbreak.
How to report a suspected case
Call the NCDC toll-free line, 6232, which runs 24 hours a day.
Administrator and Writer
