The Federal Government has confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with 44 close contacts identified as health authorities intensify efforts to prevent further spread of the virus.
The case was confirmed through laboratory testing on October 20, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The infected patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.
The woman is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, while public health authorities have commenced contact tracing to identify and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the government was working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.
“Contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts identified presently, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts,” the statement said.
The government added that surveillance had been intensified and the hospital where the patient received treatment was receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
It also called on public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert, urging healthcare workers to promptly identify, isolate and report suspected cases.
“Healthcare workers must maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases to public health authorities,” the statement said.
The Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, stressing that public cooperation was essential to preventing further transmission.
It explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with the disease or has died from it, as well as contact with contaminated materials.
The government also clarified that an infected person cannot spread the disease before symptoms begin.
Nigerians were advised to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola, and watch for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
The statement urged anyone who suspected they had been exposed to the virus to report immediately, even if they felt well.
It further advised people who develop symptoms to avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
“Remain calm but vigilant. There is no need for panic,” the government said, urging citizens to cooperate with public health teams conducting contact tracing.
The government also called on airline passengers and other individuals contacted during the tracing exercise to provide the necessary information and follow public health advice.
It warned against spreading rumours and stigmatising people who may have been exposed to the virus, advising Nigerians to rely on verified information from official health authorities.
The Federal Government expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to respond to the outbreak, citing the country’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014.
“Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, and we have the experience and public health systems to respond to this case,” the statement said.
However, it stressed that containing the infection would require collective responsibility and cooperation from the public, healthcare workers and other stakeholders.
“The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public,” the statement added.
It said investigations into the case were ongoing and assured Nigerians that accurate and timely information would be provided as developments emerged.
The government also announced that the NCDC’s toll-free call centre would remain available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for enquiries and reports of suspected cases.
Members of the public can call 6232 to obtain information or report a suspected Ebola case.
The government said updates would continue through the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and cooperate with public health authorities to prevent further spread of the infection.