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The patient was a woman who had recently traveled from Uganda and began showing symptoms on October 7, four days after her arrival.
The woman sought treatment at a private health facility in the capital, Abuja, on October 11; Laboratory testing confirmed the diagnosis on October 20.
He remains in isolation and receiving medical treatment while investigations continue to determine the possible source of his infection and reconstruct his entire travel and exposure history.
Contact tracing is underway
WHO said Nigerian health authorities have so far identified 44 contacts who are being monitored amid intensive efforts to find others who may have been exposed.
Infection prevention and control measures are being increased at the private health facility where the woman sought care.
Cases in five countries
Nigeria is the fifth country detected Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease since its outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in mid-May – the deadliest in the country’s history.
More than 9,500 cases and more than 4,200 deaths were recorded as of October 18, according to the latest data from Congolese health authorities. Currently there is no vaccine to treat this virus.
Uganda is also facing a deadly outbreak that was officially declared over at the end of August, while nine cases have been reported in Kenya and one in the Netherlands linked to Congo.
Contains the spread of viruses
The Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention has activated an incident management system to coordinate response efforts, WHO said.
The UN agency stressed that rapid identification of cases, timely follow-up of contacts, and effective infection prevention and control are critical to stem the spread of the virus.
WHO and its partners are working with Nigerian health authorities to strengthen control measures, including case investigation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control. The agency is also helping to provide critical supplies including personal protective equipment for health workers.
Meanwhile, WHO has advised all countries in the region to maintain a high level of preparedness as the outbreak in Congo continues to develop.
Governments are also advised to maintain robust disease surveillance and ensure that laboratories can safely test suspected cases, among other measures.
WHO has not recommended any restrictions regarding travel and trade with affected countries.
