Nigeria confirms imported Ebola case in Abuja, activates containment measures

Nigeria’s Federal Government announced on 20 October that a woman who had recently arrived from Uganda was laboratory‑confirmed to have Bundibugyo ebolavirus. The patient was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja and has been isolated and receiving treatment since her admission.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, described the case as “contained” and said that contact tracing had begun. To date, 44 close contacts have been identified, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and other travel contacts. Public‑health teams are monitoring individuals who may have been exposed and are intensifying surveillance at the hospital and across the Federal Capital Territory.

Pate urged health facilities nationwide to stay on high alert, to maintain a high index of suspicion, and to isolate suspected cases promptly. He also called on the public to practise strict hand hygiene, avoid contact with body fluids of anyone suspected of Ebola, and report any symptoms or exposures immediately to health authorities.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the FCT health authorities are coordinating the response. The NCDC toll‑free call centre, operating 24 hours a day on 6232, is available for information and suspected case reporting.

This incident marks Nigeria’s first confirmed case linked to the current outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has spread to Uganda. The outbreak is described by United Nations experts as the fastest‑growing Ebola event on record in terms of new infections.

The government has reinforced infection‑prevention and control measures at the private hospital where the patient was treated and has requested that all healthcare facilities remain vigilant. The response aims to prevent further transmission and to contain the virus within the capital.

The case has prompted international attention, as it is the first West African country to report a case connected to the ongoing outbreak. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to act swiftly should additional cases arise.