By Reloaded News Desk
The Federal Government has confirmed Nigeria’s first reported case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, after a woman who recently travelled from Uganda tested positive for the virus.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the development on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following laboratory confirmation of the infection.
According to the minister, the woman was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja after developing symptoms. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
Health authorities have identified 44 people who may have been exposed to the patient and have commenced contact tracing to prevent further transmission.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and FCT health authorities are coordinating containment measures, including intensified surveillance and infection-prevention measures at the hospital where the patient received treatment.
The government has directed public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert, promptly isolate suspected cases and report them to public health authorities.
Nigerians have been advised to practise regular handwashing, avoid contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, and seek medical guidance promptly if symptoms develop following possible exposure.
Anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure should avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.
The government has urged the public to remain calm, cooperate with contact-tracing teams and rely on official health advisories rather than unverified information circulating on social media.
Public health advisory: Members of the public can contact the NCDC’s toll-free helpline on 6232, available 24 hours a day, for information and guidance.
Investigations and contact tracing are ongoing. The confirmation of one imported case does not, by itself, establish widespread community transmission in Nigeria.
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