Nigeria Confirms Ebola Case
The Federal Government has confirmed a case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, following laboratory tests that returned positive on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
The government has begun contact tracing and other emergency public health measures to prevent the disease from spreading to more people.
According to a statement issued by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
The woman was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja, where she received medical attention for several days before laboratory tests confirmed the infection. She is currently in isolation and receiving treatment.
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 authorities are working together to manage the situation and prevent further transmission.
As part of the response, health officials have identified 44 people who had close contact with the infected woman. The individuals include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people who may have been exposed to the virus during travel.
Public health teams are working to identify additional people who might have come into contact with the patient. Surveillance has also been increased, while the hospital where she received treatment is being supported to strengthen its infection prevention and control measures.
The Federal Government has directed public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain alert and watch out for possible cases.
Healthcare workers have been advised to identify and isolate suspected cases quickly, follow strict infection prevention procedures and report any suspected infection to the appropriate public health authorities without delay.
The government also urged Nigerians to remain calm while taking necessary precautions against the disease.
