The Federal Government has confirmed an imported case of Ebola disease in Abuja, prompting contact tracing and heightened surveillance to prevent further transmission.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the development on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The patient, a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda, is receiving care in isolation after laboratory confirmation of the infection.
According to the minister’s statement, reproduced on the Kogi State Government website, authorities identified 44 close contacts, including people potentially exposed during treatment and travel. Identifying someone as a contact does not mean that person has tested positive.
The Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and FCT health authorities are coordinating the response.
Patient’s Travel History Under Investigation
Reuters reported that the woman had also visited the Democratic Republic of Congo before travelling through Uganda.
Ugandan authorities said her passage through their country did not establish that she contracted the infection there. The distinction is important as investigators work to establish her exposure history and identify people requiring follow-up.
Hospitals Placed on Alert
Health facilities have been instructed to recognise suspected cases promptly, strengthen infection prevention procedures and notify public health authorities.
The government has also urged the public to cooperate with contact-tracing teams and avoid rumours or discrimination against affected people. Anyone concerned about possible exposure can contact the NCDC toll-free line on 6232.
Authorities said further updates would follow as investigations and monitoring continue.
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