By Admin
The Federal Government has activated emergency public health measures, launched contact tracing for 44 people and intensified disease surveillance after confirming an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday.
The response, led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), includes isolating the case, strengthening infection control, and tracking people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the case on Tuesday following laboratory confirmation.
In a statement, Pate said the patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, had spent several days receiving treatment at a private hospital in the FCT before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
He said health authorities have commenced contact tracing to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed to the infection, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.
The statement reads: “The Federal Government of Nigeria confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory confirmation today, 20 October 2026.
“The 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 care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
“The Federal Minister of Health and Social Welfare and NCDC are working closely with 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 presently, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Surveillance has been intensified, and the hospital is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
“The FG calls on all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert. 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.”
Noting 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, or through contact with contaminated materials, the statement said a person with Ebola cannot spread the disease before symptoms begin.
Pate urged public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert, maintain a high index of suspicion and promptly isolate and report suspected cases. He also called on healthcare workers to observe strict infection prevention and control measures.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, or someone who has died from the disease. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated materials.
According to the minister, infected people cannot transmit the disease before symptoms begin. However, the public has been advised to watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly after possible exposure.
“We advise everyone to remain calm but vigilant. There is no need for panic. Practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola.
“Watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
“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.
“Anyone who suspects exposure has been urged to report immediately, even without symptoms. Those who develop symptoms should avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility,” the statement stressed.
The government also urged people identified during contact tracing, including relevant airline passengers, to cooperate with health officials and follow public health advice.
Reassuring Nigerians, Pate said the country had successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 and had the experience and public health systems needed to respond to the current case. However, he stressed that containing the infection would require public cooperation, early detection and prompt reporting.
He cautioned against spreading rumours or stigmatising affected persons, urging Nigerians to rely on verified information from official health authorities.
The Federal Government said investigations were ongoing and that further updates would be provided through the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC.
“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 Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public. Investigations are ongoing, and we will continue to provide accurate and timely information.
“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.
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