Daijiworld Media Network - Nigeria
Nigeria, Oct 21: Nigeria has confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, with 44 contacts identified and placed under monitoring, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
The case makes Nigeria the fifth country to detect the virus since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on May 15, 2026, according to the WHO.
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the patient is a woman who recently travelled from Uganda. Her symptoms began on October 7, four days after arriving in Nigeria. She sought treatment at a private healthcare facility in Abuja on October 11.
Laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20. The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care. Authorities are investigating the likely source of infection and tracing her travel and exposure history.
Health officials have identified 44 contacts who are being monitored for possible symptoms. Infection prevention and control measures are also being strengthened at the healthcare facility where the patient received treatment.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated its incident management system to coordinate the response.
The WHO and its partners are assisting Nigerian authorities with case investigations, contact tracing and infection prevention measures. Support also includes the provision of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.
The WHO has urged countries across the region to maintain heightened preparedness as the outbreak in the DRC continues to evolve. Kenya has also reported nine cases linked to an imported infection in recent weeks, the organisation said.
Countries have been advised to strengthen disease surveillance, ensure laboratories can safely test suspected cases, maintain rapid-response and clinical teams, improve infection prevention measures in healthcare facilities and stock essential medical supplies.
The WHO has also called for increased monitoring at points of entry and continued engagement with communities to support early detection and prevent further transmission.
The organisation advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions on affected countries. It said the outbreak risk assessment would be updated regularly as new information becomes available.