By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has denied reports of an Ebola outbreak in the country following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, confirmed the infection on Tuesday, saying laboratory tests identified the Ebola virus in a woman who recently travelled to East Africa, particularly Uganda.
According to Pate, the woman returned to Nigeria with symptoms on October 7, which worsened four days later before tests confirmed the infection.
The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care at a health facility. Authorities have also begun contact tracing, identifying 44 people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The Federal Government said the Ministry of Health, the FCT Health Secretariat, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other partners are working together to contain the infection and prevent further spread.
However, Uganda’s Ministry of Health said the location where the woman contracted the virus remains under investigation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry explained that travelling through Uganda does not establish that the infection originated there.
Ugandan authorities also said Nigeria had yet to provide detailed information about the woman’s travel itinerary and clinical history, which could help determine the possible source of infection and guide contact tracing.
The ministry added that it was strengthening screening and public health measures at entry points in collaboration with relevant agencies.
Meanwhile, Kenya reported its ninth Ebola case on Tuesday. Its health ministry said all nine cases belonged to one known cluster, with the eight surviving patients responding well to supportive care.
The first confirmed patient in Kenya reportedly travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), passing through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi.
Uganda also recorded Ebola infections earlier in 2026 but later declared its outbreak over after meeting the required period without a new confirmed case.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, headache, severe weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The Nigerian government has urged health facilities to remain vigilant and advised the public to maintain good hygiene, watch for symptoms and cooperate with public health officials as investigations continue.
