The Federal Government has confirmed a case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory and begun contact tracing after a woman who recently arrived from Uganda tested positive.
The patient, who entered Nigeria on an international flight, was treated for several days at a private hospital in the FCT before laboratory confirmation on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. She is now in isolation and receiving medical care.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate disclosed the development in a statement issued by the ministry. Public health teams have identified 44 close contacts, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and others who may have been exposed during her travel or treatment.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other agencies are coordinating the response. Surveillance has been stepped up, and the hospital is receiving support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
Pate urged those contacted during the tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to cooperate with public health officials and follow advice. He called on public and private health facilities nationwide to remain alert, report suspected cases promptly, isolate them quickly and observe strict infection control protocols.
Nigerians were advised to stay calm, practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone who may be infected. Symptoms to watch for include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, especially among people with possible exposure.
Anyone who suspects exposure should contact health authorities immediately, even without symptoms. Those who develop symptoms were told to avoid close contact with others and seek guidance from public health officials before going to a health facility.
The minister warned against spreading rumours or stigmatising people who may have been exposed, and urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources. The NCDC’s toll-free line, 6232, is available around the clock for information and reports of suspected cases.
Investigations continue as authorities work to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public.
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