Nigeria confirms first Ebola case in Abuja

Nigeria has confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with 44 contacts identified for monitoring following the patient’s diagnosis.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) disclosed the development on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, identifying the patient as a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.

According to the WHO, the woman developed symptoms on October 7, four days after arriving in Nigeria. She sought treatment at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11, before laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20.

The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, while investigations continue to determine how she contracted the virus and establish her travel and exposure history.

Health authorities intensify efforts to contain the virus

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has identified 44 contacts who are being monitored to determine whether anyone else may have been exposed to the virus.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has also activated its incident management system to coordinate the country’s response.

Meanwhile, infection prevention and control measures are being strengthened at the private hospital where the woman initially sought treatment. The WHO and its partners are supporting Nigerian health authorities with contact tracing, investigations and essential protective equipment for healthcare workers.

What Nigerians should know about the outbreak

Nigeria is the fifth country to detect the virus since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 15, 2026.

The WHO also reported nine cases in Kenya linked to an imported infection in recent weeks, highlighting the importance of surveillance and early detection.

Although the development has prompted heightened monitoring, the WHO has advised against restricting travel to or trade with affected countries.

The organisation said it would continue assessing the situation as new information emerges, while urging countries to strengthen disease surveillance and prepare health facilities to respond quickly to suspected cases.