The Federal Government has confirmed a single case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory following laboratory confirmation on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private facility in the FCT where she received treatment for several days before her diagnosis was verified. She has since been placed in isolation and is receiving specialized medical care.
In response, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC are collaborating closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat to contain the infection and stop further transmission.
Aggressive contact tracing is already underway, with public health teams identifying 44 close contacts so far. Those currently monitored include healthcare personnel, hospital patients, caregivers, and fellow airline passengers.
Nationwide surveillance has been heightened, while the private hospital involved is receiving immediate operational support to reinforce its infection prevention and control protocols.
Health authorities have urged all public and private medical facilities across the country to maintain high vigilance. Healthcare providers are directed to uphold a high index of suspicion, isolate potential cases immediately, adhere strictly to protective procedures, and notify public health agencies without delay.
Reassuring the public, health officials emphasized key facts regarding transmission, noting that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials, but cannot be transmitted by individuals before they develop symptoms.
The Federal Government continues to coordinate emergency measures to safeguard public health and manage all identified contacts effectively.
According to Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public.
“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 Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and NCDC will continue to provide updates.
NCDC free call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information or to report a suspected case, please call NCDC toll-free number 6232.
We advise everyone to:
1. Remain calm but vigilant. There is no need for panic.
2. Practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola.
3. Watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
4. Report any possible exposure immediately, even if you feel well. If you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
5. Cooperate with public health teams. Anyone contacted during contact tracing, including relevant airline passengers, should provide the necessary information and follow public health advice.
6. Avoid rumours and stigma. Share only verified information from official health authorities.
“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.”
