• Patient arrived from Uganda, treated at private hospital before diagnosis • Health workers, patients, caregivers, airline passengers under surveillance • Pate urges calm, activates containment measures
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government has announced the confirmation of an Ebola virus disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, triggering an emergency public health response and the tracing of 44 people believed to have been exposed to the infected patient.
The development has raised concerns about possible transmission of the deadly disease, particularly as the patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda, reportedly received treatment for several days at a private hospital in Abuja before laboratory tests confirmed the infection on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, who disclosed the development at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said the patient had been placed in isolation and was receiving medical attention, while public health authorities intensified surveillance and contact tracing to prevent further spread.
According to him, the 44 identified contacts include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals whose exposure may have occurred during the woman’s journey to Nigeria.
The minister said the Federal Government was working closely with FCT authorities and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to identify, assess and monitor everyone who might have come into contact with the patient.
He explained that the hospital where the woman was initially treated was also receiving urgent support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures and protect healthcare personnel and other patients.
“Similarly, the hospital where the woman received treatment is also receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures,” he said.
Pate directed public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to maintain heightened vigilance, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, and immediately notify public health authorities.
He stressed that strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols was essential to preventing transmission within hospitals and other healthcare settings.
The minister explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms or died from the disease, as well as through contact with contaminated materials.
He clarified that an infected person does not transmit the virus before symptoms appear.
“Nigerians are advised to remain calm but vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola,” he said.
Pate urged Nigerians to watch for symptoms including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly among individuals who might have been exposed to the virus.
“Those who suspect they may have been exposed are advised to report immediately to public health authorities, even if they were not experiencing symptoms.
“Also, anyone who develops symptoms should avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility,” he added.
The minister appealed to people identified during the contact-tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to cooperate with public health officials, provide accurate information and comply with monitoring requirements.
He also warned against spreading rumours, misinformation or stigmatising individuals who might have been exposed, stressing that accurate information and public cooperation were crucial to containing the infection.
Recalling Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, Pate said the country possessed the institutional experience and public health systems required to respond effectively to the latest development.
He, however, maintained that the response would require sustained cooperation among government agencies, healthcare workers, affected individuals and the general public.
“The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public,” the statement said.
Pate disclosed that investigations were continuing and assured Nigerians that the government would provide regular updates through the Presidential Taskforce on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC.
He advised anyone seeking information or wishing to report a suspected case to contact the NCDC’s toll-free call centre on 6232, which operates around the clock.
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