By Mustapha Saye
The Federal Government has announced the confirmation of an Ebola disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), prompting the activation of public health response measures to contain the infection and prevent further spread.
According to a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the case was laboratory-confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
The patient, identified in the statement as a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received medical care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving treatment.
The Federal Government said the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities were working together to contain the infection.
It disclosed that contact tracing had commenced, with 44 close contacts identified at the time of the announcement. Public health teams are working to identify and monitor potentially exposed individuals, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.
The government also said surveillance had been intensified, while the hospital involved was receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
As part of the response, the Federal Government has called on public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain vigilant, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention protocols and immediately report suspected infections to public health authorities.
Government Urges Nigerians to Remain Calm
The government has urged Nigerians to remain calm while observing preventive measures, stressing that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died from the disease, as well as contact with contaminated materials.
It explained that a person infected with Ebola cannot transmit the disease before symptoms begin.
Nigerians have been advised to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having the disease and watch for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
The statement further advised anyone who suspects exposure to report immediately, even if they feel well. Individuals who develop symptoms have been urged to avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
The government also cautioned against spreading rumours or stigmatizing potentially affected individuals, urging the public to rely on verified information from official health authorities.
Nigeria Draws on 2014 Ebola Experience
The Federal Government recalled Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014, expressing confidence in the country’s public health experience and response systems.
However, it emphasized that preventing further transmission would require the cooperation of the public, healthcare workers and relevant institutions.
The statement said investigations were ongoing and assured Nigerians that further updates would be provided as more verified information became available.
The government, through the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC, reiterated its commitment to keeping the public informed.
Members of the public seeking information or wishing to report a suspected case were advised to contact the NCDC’s 24-hour toll-free call centre on 6232.
Editorial note: This report is based on the supplied press statement dated October 20, 2026. The Ebola case and associated details should be independently verified with the NCDC or Federal Ministry of Health before publication as confirmed news.
