By Zainab Bakare
The Federal Government has intensified public health measures after confirming an Ebola virus disease case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, citing information from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The patient, a woman who arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
The government says contact tracing has begun, with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring and public health follow-up.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant agencies are coordinating surveillance, laboratory testing and infection prevention measures to contain the virus.
The response teams are also working to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals linked to the woman’s travel.
The government has urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation and follow advisories issued by official health authorities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will continue coordinating with relevant national institutions and stakeholders, with further updates to be issued through official channels as verified information becomes available.
