The Federal Government has confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, and commenced contact tracing involving 44 close contacts to prevent further spread of the infection.
The confirmation, announced on October 20, 2026, followed laboratory tests on a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
The patient was reportedly admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received medical care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.
She is currently in isolation and receiving treatment.
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, is working with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection.
The National Orientation Agency, NOA, in a public health advisory signed by its Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, has urged Nigerians to remain calm, stay vigilant and follow verified health information.
Ebola: FG intensifies contact tracing
As part of efforts to contain the confirmed Ebola case, public health teams have commenced contact tracing, with 44 close contacts identified at the time of the announcement.
The exercise involves identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed to the virus, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and relevant travel contacts.
Surveillance has also been intensified, while the hospital where the patient received care is being supported to strengthen its infection prevention and control measures.
The Federal Government has urged all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to maintain a high level of vigilance and promptly identify suspected cases.
Healthcare workers have been advised to isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control procedures, and immediately report suspected infections to public health authorities.
The NOA said accurate information, prompt reporting and responsible public action were essential to preventing further transmission.
Ebola Disease symptoms and prevention measures
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms or has died from the disease. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated materials.
According to the public health advisory, an infected person cannot transmit Ebola before symptoms begin.
Symptoms include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly in people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The NOA has advised Nigerians to practise regular hand hygiene, maintain good personal hygiene and avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the virus has been urged to contact public health authorities immediately, even if they feel well.
People who develop symptoms after possible exposure should avoid close contact with others and seek guidance from public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.
The agency also called on people contacted by public health officials during the tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to provide the necessary information and comply with instructions.
Nigerians have further been advised to avoid spreading rumours and unverified reports that could cause unnecessary fear or stigmatise patients, their families or people who may have been exposed.
The NOA stressed that cooperation and respect for affected individuals were necessary for an effective public health response.
NCDC activates public advisory
The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that the country has previous experience in containing Ebola, having successfully managed an outbreak in 2014.
It said the Federal Government, FCT authorities and relevant partners were working together to contain the current case, protect healthcare workers and patients, and prevent further transmission.
Investigations are ongoing, and the government, through the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC, is expected to continue providing updates as the response progresses.
The NCDC has made its toll-free helpline, 6232, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for information and reports of suspected cases.
The NOA urged Nigerians to remain calm, stay informed and cooperate with public health authorities, emphasising that early detection, prompt reporting and public cooperation are critical to protecting lives.
As Nigeria responds to the confirmed Ebola case in Abuja, adherence to verified medical advice and the timely reporting of possible exposure remain central to the effort to prevent further spread of the disease.
