The Federal Government has confirmed a case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), identifying 44 close contacts as authorities begin tracing possible exposures to prevent further spread of the infection.
The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, tested positive for the disease on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, according to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
The woman had reportedly received care at a private hospital in the FCT for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical treatment.
Following the confirmation, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the FCT Health Services Secretariat have activated public health measures to contain the infection.
Contact tracing has commenced, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.
Authorities have also intensified disease surveillance and are providing immediate support to the hospital to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
FG Urges Hospitals to Remain Alert
The Federal Government has directed public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain vigilant and promptly identify, isolate and report suspected cases.
Healthcare workers have been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, observe strict infection prevention and control procedures, and notify public health authorities immediately when Ebola is suspected.
The government explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms, someone who has died from the disease, or contaminated materials.
It stressed that infected people cannot transmit the disease before symptoms begin.
Nigerians Advised to Watch for Symptoms
Members of the public have been urged to watch for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly if they may have been exposed to the virus.
Anyone who suspects possible exposure has been advised to contact public health authorities immediately, even if they feel well.
Those who develop symptoms should avoid close contact with others and seek guidance from public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.
The government has also called on Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, provide relevant information when contacted and avoid spreading unverified reports or stigmatising potentially exposed individuals.
FG Reassures Nigerians
Professor Pate said Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014 demonstrated the country’s experience in responding to the disease, while emphasising that preventing further transmission would require public cooperation and early reporting.
He said the Federal Government, FCT authorities and relevant partners were working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public.
The government, through the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC, says it will continue to provide updates as investigations and response efforts progress.
Nigerians seeking information or wishing to report a suspected case can contact the NCDC’s toll-free call centre on 6232, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.