The federal government has confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory confirmation on Monday, October 20, 2026.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate in a statement issued Tuesday said the patient was a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
He added that the patient was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
The ninister said the ministry and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) are working closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further spread.
He noted: “Contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts identified presently, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.
“Surveillance has been intensified, and the hospital is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.”
Pate called on all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert, urging healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases to public health authorities.
The minister explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with the disease or has died from it, or through contact with contaminated materials, noting that a person with Ebola cannot spread the disease before symptoms begin.
He advised Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant; practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola.
Pate also urged to watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
He further advised Nigerians to report any possible exposure immediately, even if feeling well, and avoid close contact with others if symptoms develop.
The minister advised that Nigerians should cooperate with public health teams and provide necessary information when contacted during contact tracing.
He said citizens should avoid rumours and stigma and share only verified information from official health authorities.
Pate assured Nigerians that the country has the experience and public health systems to respond to the case, recalling that Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014.
“However, containing Ebola requires everyone to play their part. The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public.
“Investigations are ongoing, and we will continue to provide accurate and timely information,” he said.
The government said the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and NCDC would continue to provide updates, adding that the NCDC free call centre is available 24 hours a day via toll-free number 6232.