The Federal Government has confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and commenced contact tracing, with 44 close contacts reportedly identified.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following laboratory confirmation of the infection.
According to the statement, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
She was reportedly 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.
Pate said 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 were working together to contain the infection.
He said contact tracing was underway, with public health officials identifying and monitoring people who might have been exposed to the virus. Those being monitored reportedly include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals who may have encountered the patient during her travels.
The minister added that surveillance had been intensified and the hospital where the patient was treated was receiving support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
He urged individuals contacted during the tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to cooperate with health authorities and provide the necessary information.
Pate also directed public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain vigilant, promptly report suspected cases and ensure that suspected patients are isolated without delay.
He advised Nigerians to practise regular handwashing, avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola and remain alert to symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
Anyone who suspects exposure was advised to 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 health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.
The minister urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from stigmatising people who may have been exposed to the virus.
He said investigations were ongoing and assured the public that the Federal Government, FCT authorities and their partners were working to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider population.
The statement also disclosed that the NCDC’s toll-free call centre was available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide information and receive reports of suspected cases. Members of the public can call 6232 for assistance.