HEALTH Diseases

Nigeria Intensifies Ebola Response as Contacts Rise to 53

by admin on | 2026-10-26 11:27:28

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By Muhammad Bala Imam

The Nigerian government has intensified efforts to contain the Ebola disease outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as the number of identified contacts linked to the confirmed case has risen to 53.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in its Ebola Disease Situation Report dated 24 October 2026, said the national Incident Management System had been activated at the highest level to coordinate response activities, including contact tracing, surveillance, laboratory testing and infection prevention.

According to the report, the index case is a 42-year-old woman who returned from Uganda through Addis Ababa on 3 October 2026 and arrived in Abuja on an international flight.

“She developed symptoms on 7 October and sought medical attention at a private health facility on 10 October before being admitted to another private facility the following day”.

The NCDC said it was notified of the suspected case on 19 October, leading to an investigation and sample collection.

“The National Reference Laboratory confirmed the case on 20 October, identifying the virus as the Bundibugyo species of Ebola”.

The NCDC said the patient, who presented with fever, diarrhoea, generalised body aches and sore throat, is currently in isolation and receiving medical care. The report said she had improved remarkably, adding that no bleeding was reported.

The 53 contacts identified so far include healthcare workers, domestic staff and the patient's spouse; contact tracing and monitoring are ongoing, while health authorities are working to classify contacts according to their level of exposure and ensure appropriate follow-up.

Meanwhile, a suspected Ebola case reported by Rivers State on 23 October tested negative following laboratory analysis, with the result communicated to the state.

The NCDC said response measures had also been strengthened through enhanced surveillance at the country's points of entry, improved infection prevention and control in health facilities, public awareness campaigns and the provision of personal protective equipment and other essential supplies.

The report added that 500 donated laboratory testing kits had been added to the national stockpile, while the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital had been assessed and prepared as an isolation and treatment centre.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected cases, and report possible exposure promptly.

It also advised anyone experiencing symptoms after a possible exposure to contact public health authorities before visiting a health facility.

The agency also cautioned against rumours and stigma, urging the public to rely on official information and cooperate with contact tracers.

Members of the public can call the NCDC toll-free line on 6232 for assistance and verified information on Ebola prevention and response.