The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has officially confirmed an imported case of Ebola Virus Disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, while initiating aggressive contact tracing for 44 identified close contacts.
The confirmation was contained in a press statement released on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and signed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
According to health authorities, laboratory diagnostic tests verified the positive case on Tuesday after a female passenger arrived in Nigeria via an international flight originating from Uganda. Following the diagnosis, specialized public health response teams immediately placed 44 identified close contacts under strict surveillance to curb potential community transmission.
The response effort is being closely coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with the FCT Health Secretariat, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and key international health organizations.
Addressing the public, Prof. Pate assured Nigerians that federal authorities are drawing heavily from previous outbreak containment strategies and robust surveillance infrastructure to manage the situation effectively.
”Contact tracing has commenced, with 44 people identified for follow-up, while surveillance is being strengthened at the country’s entry points to detect and respond to any potential spread.
”Public and private healthcare facilities must remain vigilant and ensure that health workers maintain a high index of suspicion for possible Ebola cases, particularly among patients presenting with compatible symptoms and relevant travel histories,” Pate stated.
The Minister urged citizens to maintain calm, adhere strictly to basic personal hygiene standards, and report suspected symptoms—such as persistent fever, bodily weakness, acute headaches, and diarrhea—to relevant health agencies. Members of the public were advised to reach out to the NCDC through its 24-hour toll-free line at 6232 for verified guidance or emergency reporting.
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