The Federal Government has said genomic analysis shows that the Ebola virus identified in a confirmed case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is genetically related to a virus identified in a case in Kenya.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, while providing an update on the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case.
Pate said the findings provided important scientific information but cautioned that genetic similarities alone did not establish a direct transmission link between the two cases.
He stressed that further investigations were required to determine whether the cases were epidemiologically linked, adding that the findings should be interpreted within the context of ongoing investigations.
The genomic analysis was conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, under the leadership of Professor Christian Happi.
The minister commended both institutions for their speed and scientific rigour in conducting the analysis, noting that their findings would contribute to the ongoing investigation into the confirmed case.
On contact tracing, Pate said individuals identified as contacts of the confirmed case remained under active monitoring.
He explained that while some contacts had tested negative, results for others were still pending, adding that health authorities were continuing to monitor the situation as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.
The minister said the Federal Government was strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk communication, and infection prevention and control measures.
He added that healthcare facilities had been reminded of the need to promptly identify and report suspected cases to public health authorities.
According to Pate, additional training and sensitisation for healthcare workers would also support the effective implementation of response protocols and improve preparedness across health facilities.
In a related development, the Director-General of the NCDC announced that the agency would begin issuing short daily updates to the public from Saturday, October 24, in line with its public health guidelines.
The updates are expected to provide regular information on the situation as investigations and response activities continue.
Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, stressing the importance of following recommended safety precautions and relying on verified information from public health authorities.
He also warned against spreading misinformation and unverified reports, advising Nigerians to obtain updates from recognised institutions, including the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to containing the outbreak, protecting healthcare workers, and preventing further transmission.
He called on members of the public and other stakeholders to cooperate with health authorities and follow official guidance as the response continues.