The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to remain calm and follow verified public health information following the confirmation of an Ebola disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The government confirmed that the case was laboratory-confirmed on October 20, 2026, after a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda was diagnosed with the disease.
According to a statement issued by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the patient was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.
The minister disclosed that the patient had been placed in isolation and was receiving medical care.
The Federal Government said it 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 spread.
Contact tracing has commenced, with 44 close contacts identified so far.
“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 was treated was receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
It also directed public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert and promptly 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 vigilant, practise good hand hygiene and seek guidance from health authorities if they suspect exposure.
“There is no need for panic. What matters is staying informed, practising good hand hygiene, knowing the symptoms and seeking guidance from public health authorities if you suspect exposure,” an earlier public health advisory stated.
The ministry explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died, as well as through contaminated materials.
“Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with the disease or has died from it, or through contact with contaminated materials,” the statement said.
It stressed that an infected person could not transmit the disease before symptoms began.
The government advised Nigerians to watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
It also urged anyone who suspects exposure to report it immediately, even if they feel well.
“If you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility,” the statement added.
The government further called on people contacted by public health teams during contact tracing, including relevant airline passengers, to provide the necessary information and follow official guidance.
“Cooperate with public health teams. Anyone contacted during contact tracing, including relevant airline passengers, should provide the necessary information and follow public health advice,” the ministry said.
It also warned against the spread of rumours and the stigmatisation of affected persons, urging Nigerians to share only verified information from official health authorities.
On the country’s capacity to respond to the case, the government recalled Nigeria’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. However, containing Ebola requires everyone to play their part,” the statement said.
The ministry assured Nigerians that the Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners were working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public.
“The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public,” it added.
It further stated that investigations were ongoing and that authorities would continue to provide accurate and timely information as the response progressed.
“We urge Nigerians to remain calm, stay vigilant and cooperate with public health authorities. Early detection, prompt reporting and everyone’s cooperation are critical to preventing further spread,” the statement said.
The government advised Nigerians seeking information or wishing to report a suspected case to contact the NCDC toll-free call centre on 6232, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.