By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

The Federal Government (FG) has confirmed a case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and commenced contact tracing to identify people who may have been exposed to the infection.

According to a statement attributed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, 44 close contacts of the patient have reportedly been identified for monitoring.

The statement, signed by the ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, said the case was laboratory-confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

The patient is reportedly a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the infection was confirmed.

The woman is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, according to the statement.

Pate said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant agencies to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.

He explained that public health officials had begun tracing and monitoring individuals who might have come into contact with the patient.

Those being monitored reportedly include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals who may have encountered the woman during her journey to Nigeria.

The government has also intensified disease surveillance and is supporting the hospital where the patient was treated to strengthen infection prevention and control procedures.

FG urges public cooperation

The minister called on people who may have been exposed to the virus, including relevant passengers who travelled on the same flight, to cooperate with health officials and provide accurate information during the contact-tracing exercise.

He also urged public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain alert and report suspected Ebola cases promptly to the appropriate authorities.

Healthcare workers were advised to maintain a high level of suspicion when assessing patients with symptoms consistent with the disease. They were also urged to isolate suspected cases without delay and strictly follow infection prevention and control guidelines.

Pate appealed to Nigerians to remain calm while taking necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.

He advised members of the public to practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.

Symptoms Nigerians should watch for

Ebola is a serious viral disease, and symptoms that may indicate an infection include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The minister urged people who believe they may have been exposed to the virus to contact public health authorities immediately, even if they have not developed symptoms.

Anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure should avoid close contact with others and seek guidance from public health officials before visiting a healthcare facility. This is intended to help healthcare workers prepare for the patient’s arrival and reduce the risk of further transmission.

The government also cautioned against spreading unverified information or stigmatising people who may have been exposed to the disease.

Pate stressed the importance of relying on verified updates from official health authorities, adding that investigations and response activities were ongoing.

He said the Federal Government, FCT authorities and their partners were working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider population.

The NCDC’s toll-free call centre is available around the clock to provide information and receive reports of suspected cases. Members of the public can call 6232 for assistance, according to the statement.