BREAKING: Ebola Confirmed In Abuja As FG Begins Tracking 44 Contacts

The Federal Government has confirmed a case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as health authorities begin tracing 44 close contacts to prevent further spread of the infection.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the development on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following laboratory confirmation of the case.

According to the minister, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja, where she received treatment for several days before the infection was confirmed.

The woman has since been placed in isolation and is receiving medical care.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant agencies are coordinating the response.

Authorities have identified 44 close contacts and commenced monitoring to determine whether other individuals may have been exposed to the virus.

The contacts reportedly include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Public health teams are working to identify additional individuals who may have had contact with the patient.

Surveillance has also been intensified, while the hospital where the woman received treatment is receiving support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

The Federal Government has directed public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain vigilant, promptly isolate suspected cases and immediately report them to public health authorities.

Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm and follow public health guidance as the government works to contain the infection.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms or has died from the disease. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated materials.

Symptoms may include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea. However, these symptoms alone do not confirm an Ebola infection.

The minister advised people who may have been exposed to contact public health authorities promptly, even if they feel well. Anyone developing symptoms after possible exposure should avoid close contact with others and seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

The government also urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified information or stigmatising potentially exposed individuals.

Nigeria successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 through coordinated surveillance, isolation, contact tracing and public cooperation.

Authorities said investigations were continuing and that further updates would be provided through the relevant health agencies. They stressed that early reporting, cooperation with contact tracing teams and adherence to public health advice would be critical to preventing further transmission.