Nigeria Confirms Ebola Case in Abuja, Identifies 44 Contacts
Nigeria has confirmed an Ebola virus disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, following laboratory tests on a woman who recently arrived in the country from Uganda.
The Federal Government announced the development on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, prompting an immediate public health response to prevent further transmission.
According to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the patient was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja, where she received medical attention before the diagnosis was confirmed.
The woman has been placed in isolation and is receiving medical care, while health authorities have begun tracing people who may have been exposed to the infection.
So far, 44 contacts have been identified. These include people whose potential exposure is being assessed as part of efforts to contain the case and prevent further spread.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and other relevant agencies are coordinating the response.
Health authorities have also urged healthcare facilities across the country to remain vigilant, promptly identify suspected cases, follow infection prevention procedures and report concerns to public health officials.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, or through contaminated materials. It does not spread through the air like common respiratory infections.
The development comes amid regional concerns over Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa, with Nigeria previously strengthening its surveillance and preparedness measures against the disease.
Authorities are continuing contact tracing and other containment efforts as they work to prevent further transmission.
