Ebola Scare Hits Abuja As FG Confirms Case, Begins Tracing 44 Contacts

"The Federal Government is working with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection." Prof Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare 

.... Says "contact tracing had commenced, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who might have been exposed to the virus, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

.... "Surveillance has also been intensified, while the hospital where the patient was treated is receiving immediate support to strengthen its infection prevention and control measures."

The Federal Government has confirmed a case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with public health authorities identifying 44 close contacts and intensifying efforts to prevent further spread.

The case was laboratory-confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following the admission of a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.

The patient was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a press statement, adding that the Federal Government was working with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection.

He said contact tracing had commenced, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who might have been exposed to the virus, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

According to the statement, surveillance has also been intensified, while the hospital where the patient was treated is receiving immediate support to strengthen its infection prevention and control measures.

The minister called on public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain on high alert and promptly report suspected cases to public health authorities.

He urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, ensure the early identification and isolation of suspected cases, and strictly observe infection prevention and control measures.

The government also advised Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, stressing that there was no need for panic.

It explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died from the disease, as well as contact with contaminated materials.

The statement noted that people infected with Ebola cannot transmit the disease before symptoms begin.

Nigerians were advised to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having the disease and watch out for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly after possible exposure.

The government further urged anyone who might have been exposed to report immediately to public health authorities, even if they felt well.

Those who develop symptoms were advised to avoid close contact with others and seek guidance from public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.

It also called on people contacted during the tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to provide the necessary information and comply with public health advice.

The minister cautioned against spreading rumours or stigmatising suspected cases, urging Nigerians to rely on verified information from official health authorities.

Reassuring the public, Pate recalled Nigeria's successful containment of Ebola in 2014, saying the country had the experience and public health systems required to respond to the latest case.

However, he emphasised that containing the infection would require collective action and cooperation from members of the public.

“The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public,” the statement said.

It added that investigations were ongoing and that the government would continue to provide accurate and timely updates on developments.

The government said the Presidential Taskforce on Ebola Virus Disease and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) would continue to provide information as the response progressed.

Members of the public were advised to contact the NCDC's toll-free call centre on 6232, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to obtain information or report suspected cases.