44 People Traced After Ebola Case Emerges in Abuja
Health authorities have begun emergency contact tracing in Abuja after the Federal Government confirmed an Ebola infection in the Federal Capital Territory, identifying 44 people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The confirmation was made on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, after laboratory tests confirmed the case.
According to the Minister, the infected person is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda aboard an international flight. She was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja where she received treatment for several days before her condition raised suspicion and subsequent laboratory diagnosis confirmed Ebola Virus Disease. She has since been isolated and is currently receiving medical care under strict monitoring.
Following the confirmation, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and the FCT Health Services Secretariat, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, immediately activated containment measures to prevent further transmission. Public health teams have commenced tracing of close contacts, with 44 persons so far identified. The contacts include healthcare workers who attended to the patient, other patients on admission, caregivers, and persons who may have had contact with her during her travel. Efforts are also ongoing to identify and monitor other secondary contacts who may have been exposed.
The Ministry disclosed that surveillance has been intensified nationwide, while the private hospital where the patient was initially treated is receiving urgent support to strengthen its infection prevention and control measures and prevent hospital-related spread.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed all public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain on high alert. Health workers have been instructed to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate any suspected case, strictly observe infection prevention and control protocols, and immediately report to public health authorities.
The government also urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, advising regular handwashing with soap and water, avoidance of contact with blood and body fluids of any sick person, and avoiding contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. Nigerians were advised to watch out for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly among those who may have had contact with the patient.
Professor Pate further advised that anyone who develops such symptoms should avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting any health facility. He also appealed to persons contacted by public health teams during the tracing exercise, including airline passengers who may have been on the same flight, to cooperate fully and comply with official instructions.
The latest case comes amid growing regional concerns over Ebola. On October 6, the NCDC had issued an advisory alerting Nigerians to the risk of importation of the virus following a confirmed case in Kenya linked to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The World Health Organisation notes that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of a symptomatic infected person or contaminated surfaces and objects. The virus is not transmitted before symptoms develop, while the incubation period ranges from two to 21 days.
Nigeria previously battled and successfully contained Ebola in 2014 after the virus was introduced by an infected traveller who arrived in Lagos from Liberia. The containment was achieved through rapid case identification, isolation, aggressive contact tracing and coordinated public health interventions, earning Nigeria global commendation.
Reassuring Nigerians, Professor Pate said the country has the experience and public health systems required to respond effectively to the current case, but stressed that success will depend largely on public cooperation and early reporting.
He added that investigations are ongoing and that the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC will continue to provide regular updates to the public. Members of the public can contact the NCDC toll-free centre on 6232 for information or to report any suspected case.
