Ebola Case Confirmed in Abuja as FG Begins Contact Tracing for 44 People
ABUJA, Nigeria
The Federal Government has confirmed a case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and activated an emergency public health response, including contact tracing for 44 people identified as having had close contact with the patient.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced the confirmation on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following laboratory tests on a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
According to the statement, the patient was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received medical attention for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving treatment.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the FCT Health Services Secretariat are working with other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.
Authorities Trace 44 Contacts
The government said contact tracing had commenced, with 44 close contacts identified at the time of the announcement.
Public health teams are working to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus. The exercise includes healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.
Surveillance has also been intensified, while the hospital caring for the patient is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
The Federal Government has urged public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain alert and promptly identify, isolate and report suspected cases to the appropriate public health authorities.
Healthcare workers have been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, observe strict infection prevention protocols and ensure that suspected cases are reported without delay.
What Nigerians Need to Know About Ebola
The Ministry of Health explained that Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, or a person who has died from the disease. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated materials.
The statement noted that an infected person cannot transmit Ebola before symptoms begin.
Members of the public have been advised to remain calm, practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having the disease.
People who may have been exposed to the virus should report the possible exposure promptly, even if they feel well. Anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure should avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
The government has also urged people contacted during the tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to provide the requested information and comply with public health instructions.
Authorities warned against spreading rumours or stigmatising people who may have been exposed, urging Nigerians to rely on verified information from official health agencies.
FG Assures Nigerians of Response Capacity
The government said Nigeria had successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 and had experience and public health systems that could support the response to the newly confirmed case.
It nevertheless stressed that preventing further transmission would require cooperation from the public, healthcare workers and other stakeholders.
The Federal Government, FCT authorities and partner agencies are continuing investigations and response activities, with further updates expected through official channels.
The statement was issued on behalf of the government by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, CON.
The NCDC has also made its free call centre available around the clock for public enquiries and suspected case reports. Nigerians can call 6232 for information or to report a suspected case.
The government urged citizens to remain vigilant, follow public health guidance and report suspected cases promptly, stressing that early detection and cooperation are essential to preventing further spread.
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