ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian government has confirmed a case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, triggering heightened disease surveillance, contact tracing and infection prevention measures amid concerns over the spread of the virus across parts of Africa.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the development on Tuesday, October 20, following laboratory tests that confirmed the infection in a woman who had recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the patient arrived in Nigeria before developing symptoms and subsequently sought treatment at a private healthcare facility in Abuja.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said her symptoms began on October 7, four days after her arrival in Nigeria, and that she sought medical attention on October 11. Laboratory confirmation was received on October 20.

The patient has since been placed in isolation and is receiving medical treatment, while health authorities investigate her travel history and possible exposure to the virus.

The WHO identified the infection as Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease, a form of Ebola currently associated with a regional outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May.

The Federal Government confirmed that 44 people who may have come into contact with the patient have been identified, with public health teams monitoring them and searching for others who might have been exposed.

Those being assessed include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals who may have encountered the woman during her travels.

Officials stressed that the identification of 44 contacts does not mean that those individuals have tested positive for Ebola.

Health authorities are also working with the private hospital where the patient received treatment to strengthen infection prevention procedures and protect medical personnel and other patients.

The response is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and relevant international health partners.

The government has directed public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to increase vigilance, promptly identify suspected infections, isolate patients where necessary and report potential cases to the appropriate health authorities.

Healthcare workers have also been instructed to follow strict infection prevention and control protocols, particularly when dealing with patients displaying symptoms consistent with Ebola.

Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm while taking appropriate precautions, noting that the country has previous experience in responding to Ebola outbreaks.

He emphasised that public cooperation, early identification of suspected cases and effective contact tracing would be essential to containing the infection.

The latest confirmation comes amid heightened regional concern over Ebola transmission following outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the detection of imported infections in other African countries.

Nigeria's disease control authorities had earlier warned of the possibility of importing Ebola through international travel and strengthened surveillance measures at points of entry.

The WHO said investigations were continuing to determine where the Abuja patient contracted the infection and establish her complete travel and exposure history.

Ebola is a serious infectious disease that can cause severe illness and, in some cases, death.

According to the WHO, the virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, as well as through contact with contaminated objects and materials.

Common symptoms include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms may develop between two and 21 days after exposure.

Health authorities advised individuals who develop symptoms following possible exposure to avoid close contact with others and contact public health officials for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

The government also urged people contacted during the tracing exercise, including potentially exposed travellers, to cooperate fully with health officials and comply with monitoring requirements.

Nigeria previously contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 after the virus was introduced by an infected traveller. The response involved rapid identification of cases, isolation, contact tracing and coordinated action by health authorities.

Pate said lessons from that outbreak had strengthened the country's public health preparedness, although he acknowledged that preventing further transmission would require sustained vigilance.

The Federal Government said its immediate priority was to contain the imported infection and prevent community transmission.

The NCDC and other relevant agencies are expected to provide further updates as investigations and surveillance activities continue.

Members of the public seeking information or wishing to report a suspected case can contact the NCDC through its toll-free call centre on 6232, available 24 hours a day.

© 2026 Sir Tim-Osa Media. All rights reserved.

Website: www.sirtimosamedia.com