The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed a case of Ebola virus disease in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, following laboratory tests conducted on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate announced the development, indicating that 44 close contacts of the infected individual have been identified and are currently being monitored.

In response to the confirmed case, public health teams are actively tracing additional individuals who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers, and passengers from relevant flights. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had previously issued a warning about the potential risk of Ebola entering Nigeria, following a confirmed case in Kenya earlier this month.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, alongside the NCDC and the FCT Health Services Secretariat, is coordinating the national response to this health crisis. Surveillance measures have been intensified, and the hospital where the patient was treated is receiving direct support to enhance infection prevention and control protocols.

To ensure public safety, all healthcare facilities, both public and private, have been placed on high alert. Health workers are instructed to maintain a heightened level of suspicion for potential cases, isolate any suspected infections immediately, and adhere to strict infection prevention guidelines. They are also required to report any suspected cases to public health authorities without delay.

Minister Pate urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, emphasizing the importance of regular handwashing and avoiding contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola. He advised the public to be aware of symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, and diarrhoea, particularly for those who may have had contact with the infected individual.

The recent confirmation of Ebola in Nigeria highlights the country's ongoing vulnerability to infectious diseases, particularly given its history with Ebola outbreaks. In 2014, Nigeria successfully contained an Ebola outbreak that was introduced by an infected traveler, thanks to swift case identification, isolation, and extensive contact tracing.

Prof. Pate reassured the public that Nigeria possesses the necessary experience and health infrastructure to manage the current situation effectively. However, he stressed that public cooperation is crucial in preventing further spread of the virus. The Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease, along with the NCDC, will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Citizens are encouraged to report suspected cases or seek more information by calling the NCDC's 24-hour toll-free line at 6232.