HEALTH Diseases

Nigerian Government Confirms Ebola Disease in FCT

by admin on | 2026-10-21 11:30:29

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By Ahmad Sirajo Makama

The Nigerian government has confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory confirmation on October 20, 2026.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was receiving treatment in isolation at a private hospital in the FCT.

Pate said the government was working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), FCT health authorities and other relevant partners to contain the infection and prevent further spread.

He said contact tracing had commenced, with 44 close contacts identified, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Surveillance has also been intensified, while the hospital is receiving support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

The minister urged healthcare facilities nationwide to remain alert, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention measures and immediately report suspected infections to public health authorities.

He explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died from the disease, or through contaminated materials.

Pate advised Nigerians to remain calm, practise regular hand hygiene, watch for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, and promptly report possible exposure to public health authorities.

He urged anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to avoid close contact with others and seek guidance from public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.

The minister said Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014 had strengthened its experience and public health capacity to respond to the current case.

He called on Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, avoid spreading unverified information and shun stigma against suspected or confirmed cases.

The government said investigations were ongoing and that further updates would be provided through the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC.

Members of the public can contact the NCDC toll-free call centre on 6232, available 24 hours a day, for information or to report suspected cases.