Nigerian government confirms Ebola case in Abuja

The Federal Government has confirmed imported cases of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and has initiated contact tracing following the identification of 44 contacts.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, revealed on Tuesday that the infected woman recently traveled to Nigeria from Uganda and developed symptoms on October 7, four days before seeking medical attention at a private hospital in Abuja.

According to Pate, the patient visited the facility on October 11, but his condition then worsened, requiring further testing which confirmed the infection on October 20, 2026.

“The patient is a woman who had traveled to East Africa, specifically Uganda. She returned and experienced symptoms that began on October 7.

“On the 11th, he visited the private facility where he was being treated. His symptoms improved further, and further tests showed that he had Ebola virus disease,” the minister said.

The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical treatment, while public health authorities work to identify and monitor anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.

“Contact tracing has been conducted, and is ongoing at this time, with 44 contacts identified,” Pate said.

He said contacts being monitored included health workers, patients, caregivers and people who may have traveled with the woman.

The Minister specifically urged anyone contacted by the public health team, including passengers who may have been traveling with the patient, to provide the requested information and comply with public health advice.

“Anyone contacted during our contact tracing period, including those who may have traveled with the person, must provide the necessary information and follow public health advice,” he said.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, FCT Health Secretariat, World Health Organization and Africa CDC are working together to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.

Pate said private hospitals where patients receive treatment are receiving support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

He also urged government and private health facilities across the country to remain vigilant and immediately isolate and report suspected cases.

This confirmation came in Nigeria amidst a wider regional emergency over Ebola.

Kenya has reported nine confirmed cases as of Tuesday, October 20, while the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to battle the outbreak.

Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information and cooperate with contact tracing teams.

He recalled Nigeria’s success in containing the Ebola outbreak in 2014, and said the country had the necessary public health expertise and response systems to deal with the case.

The Minister of Finance also revealed that the Presidential Task Force for Ebola Virus Disease was formed in May 2026 as part of the government’s preparedness efforts.

People seeking information or wishing to report suspected cases can call the NCDC toll-free line, 6232, which the minister said operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Federal Government said investigations and contact tracing are continuing, with further updates expected as more information becomes available.