The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned against imposing travel or trade restrictions on countries affected by Ebola, following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported case of the virus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The global health agency issued the advisory while reaffirming its support for public health authorities to contain the spread of the Ebola Bundibugyo strain.
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed the single imported case on Tuesday, involving a female patient in Abuja with a recent travel history to Uganda.
“WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, countries affected by the Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease,” the organization stated, adding that it will continuously update its risk assessment as new information emerges.
Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo virus strain on October 20. In response, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) immediately activated its Incident Management System to coordinate contact tracing and containment operations nationwide.
Health authorities revealed that they have identified and isolated 44 contacts associated with the patient. Contact tracers are currently monitoring these individuals while expanding search efforts to track down anyone else who may have been exposed.
Simultaneously, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has tightened health screening and surveillance across major international airports to prevent further cross-border transmission.
Health officials urge citizens to maintain calm, adhere to personal hygiene guidelines, and report suspected symptoms immediately, as health agencies remain fully mobilized to control the situation.
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Irene Osagie
October 21, 2026 at 10:46 amEbola again? God Abeg ooo!
Make e end for Abuja oo