Nigeria has confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with 44 contacts identified and placed under monitoring.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed that the case involves a woman who recently travelled from Uganda, making Nigeria the fifth country to detect the virus since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on May 15, 2026.
Patient Isolated as Contact Tracing Intensifies
According to the ministry, the patient’s symptoms began on October 7, four days after her arrival in Nigeria. She sought medical attention at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11, while laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20.
The woman is currently in isolation and receiving medical care. Investigations are ongoing to establish the likely source of her infection and reconstruct her full travel and exposure history.
The ministry said 44 contacts have so far been identified and are being monitored as health authorities intensify efforts to identify other people who may have been exposed to the virus.
Infection prevention and control measures are also being strengthened at the private health facility where the patient initially sought treatment.
NCDC Activates Emergency Response System
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has activated its incident management system to coordinate the national response to the confirmed case.
Rapid case identification, timely contact tracing and effective infection prevention and control measures remain critical to containing the spread of the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are working with Nigerian health authorities to strengthen response efforts, including case investigation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and the provision of essential supplies.
These supplies include personal protective equipment for health workers involved in managing suspected and confirmed cases.
WHO Warns Countries to Strengthen Preparedness
WHO has urged countries across the region to maintain a high level of readiness as the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in the DRC continues to evolve.
Kenya has also reported nine cases linked to an imported case in recent weeks, highlighting the need for stronger regional surveillance and preparedness.
WHO advised countries to maintain effective disease surveillance systems, investigate alerts promptly and ensure laboratories can safely test suspected cases. It also recommended keeping rapid response and clinical teams ready for immediate deployment.
Other recommended measures include strengthening infection prevention and control in public and private health facilities, positioning essential medical supplies in advance, engaging communities and increasing monitoring at points of entry.
Countries are also expected to maintain response plans to support the early detection of cases, prevent further transmission and protect health workers and communities.
WHO Advises Against Travel and Trade Restrictions
Despite the spread of the virus across several countries, WHO has advised against imposing restrictions on travel to or trade with affected countries.
The organisation said it continues to closely monitor the situation and, where necessary, verify travel and trade measures introduced in response to the outbreak.
WHO’s assessment of the risks associated with the outbreak is being reviewed regularly to reflect the latest developments.
Health authorities continue to prioritise early detection, contact tracing and infection prevention measures to limit further transmission of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease.
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