FG Confirms Ebola Case in FCT, Begins Contact Tracing of 44 People

By David Okpokwasili |Ichie Times

The Federal Government has confirmed a case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, following laboratory confirmation on October 20, 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 treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.

She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, according to a press statement issued by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, on Tuesday.

The government said contact tracing had commenced, with 44 close contacts identified so far. Public health teams are working to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed to the infection, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

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 collaborating to contain the infection and prevent further spread.

The government also disclosed that surveillance had been intensified, while the hospital where the patient received treatment was being supported to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

It called on public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain on high alert, urging healthcare workers to promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention protocols and immediately report suspected infections to public health authorities.

Explaining how the disease spreads, the Health Minister said Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or someone who has died from the disease, as well as contact with contaminated materials.

He stressed that an infected person cannot transmit the disease before symptoms begin.

Prof. Pate advised Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of suspected cases and watch for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly after possible exposure.

The government further urged anyone who may have been exposed to report immediately, even if they felt well. Those who develop symptoms were advised to avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

It also appealed to people contacted during the tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to cooperate with health officials and provide necessary information.

The statement cautioned against spreading rumours or stigmatising suspected or confirmed cases, urging Nigerians to rely on verified information from official health authorities.

Reassuring the public, Pate said Nigeria had successfully contained Ebola in 2014 and had experience and public health systems to respond to the current case.

However, he emphasised that preventing further transmission would require early detection, prompt reporting and cooperation from the public.

The minister said the Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners were working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider population, adding that investigations were ongoing and further updates would be provided.

Members of the public seeking information or wishing to report a suspected case can contact the NCDC’s 24-hour toll-free call centre on 6232.

The statement was issued by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, on October 20, 2026.