Panic as Nigeria Confirms Ebola Case in FCT, Activates Public Health Response

Panic as Nigeria Confirms Ebola Case in FCT, Activates Public Health Response

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) -The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed one case of Ebola Virus Disease in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The confirmation was made on Monday, October 20, 2026, following laboratory tests.

The patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, according to a statement by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.

She was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

Prof. Pate said the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, are working closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further spread.

He said contact tracing has commenced, with 44 close contacts so far identified, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

According to him, surveillance has been intensified, and the hospital is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

He urged all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert and to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, and report immediately to public health authorities.

What Nigerians should know

Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with the disease or has died from it, or through contact with contaminated materials. A person with Ebola cannot spread the disease before symptoms begin.

What to do

– Remain calm but vigilant. There is no need for panic.

– Practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola.

– Watch for symptoms including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, especially after possible exposure.

– Report any possible exposure immediately, even if you feel well.

– If you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

– Cooperate with public health teams. Anyone contacted during tracing, including airline passengers, should provide necessary information and follow advice.

– Avoid rumours and stigma. Share only verified information from official health authorities.

Assurance

“Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, and we have the experience and public health systems to respond to this case. However, containing Ebola requires everyone to play their part,” Pate said.

He said the Federal Government, FCT authorities and partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the public, while investigations continue.

Pate added that the Government, through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and the NCDC, will continue to provide timely updates to Nigerians.

For information or to report a suspected case, call NCDC toll-free number *6232*, available 24 hours, seven days a week.