The Federal Government has confirmed an Ebola virus disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), involving a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following laboratory confirmation of the infection.
Pate said the patient had been admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
According to the minister, health authorities have identified 44 close contacts and commenced contact tracing to locate and monitor other people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The exercise covers healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people who may have encountered the patient during her travels.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant agencies are working together to contain the infection.
Pate said surveillance had been intensified, while the hospital where the patient was treated was receiving support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
He urged healthcare facilities nationwide to remain vigilant, promptly isolate suspected cases and report them to public health authorities.
The minister advised Nigerians to practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the blood and other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
Symptoms include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea. Anyone who suspects exposure should contact public health authorities immediately, even if they have no symptoms.
Those who develop symptoms should avoid close contact with others and seek guidance from public health officials before visiting a healthcare facility.
Pate also urged airline passengers and other individuals contacted by tracing teams to cooperate with health officials. He warned against spreading unverified information or stigmatising people who might have been exposed.
He recalled Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, saying the country had the public health experience and systems needed to respond to the latest case.
However, he stressed that preventing further transmission would require early detection, prompt reporting and public cooperation.
The minister advised Nigerians to call the NCDC’s toll-free number, 6232, for information or to report suspected cases. The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
