FG Confirms Ebola Case In FCT, Activates Emergency Public Health Response
The Federal Government has confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), prompting the activation of public health response measures to contain the infection and prevent further spread.
The case was laboratory-confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, involving a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
According to a statement issued by the Federal Government, the patient 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 Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities are working together to contain the infection.
As part of the response, contact tracing has commenced, with 44 close contacts identified so far. Public health teams are working to identify and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.
Surveillance activities have also been intensified, while the hospital where the patient was treated is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
The Federal Government has directed public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert and maintain a high index of suspicion for possible Ebola cases.
Healthcare workers have been urged to promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report any suspected infection to public health authorities.
FG Advises Nigerians Against Panic
The government has urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, emphasising 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 clarified that an infected person cannot transmit the disease before symptoms begin.
Citizens have been advised to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola, and watch for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly after possible exposure.
The government further advised anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to report immediately to public health authorities, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.
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.
Nigerians have also been encouraged to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, provide necessary information when contacted, and avoid spreading unverified information or stigmatising affected individuals.
Nigeria Confident of Containing Outbreak
The Federal Government expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to contain the case, citing the country’s successful management of the Ebola outbreak in 2014 and the experience of its public health system.
However, it stressed that preventing further transmission would require collective responsibility, early detection, prompt reporting and cooperation from members of the public.
The government said investigations were ongoing and assured Nigerians that accurate and timely updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
The Presidential Taskforce on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and the NCDC will continue to provide updates on the situation.
For information or to report a suspected case, members of the public can contact the NCDC’s toll-free call centre on 6232, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The statement was signed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, CON.
