The Federal Government has intensified public health measures to contain an Ebola virus disease (EVD) case confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on October 20, 2026, with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a press statement issued in Abuja signed by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,. saying the response was being coordinated by 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 agencies.
According to the statement, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
She was subsequently admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received medical care for several days before her Ebola diagnosis was confirmed.
The ministry said the patient is currently in isolation and receiving treatment.
It added that contact tracing operations had commenced, with response teams working to identify, assess and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
Those being considered for public health follow-up include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals linked to the patient’s travel.
The government is also coordinating surveillance, laboratory testing and other essential response activities in line with established public health protocols.
The measures, according to the ministry, are aimed at ensuring the early identification of potential cases, strengthening infection prevention and control, and minimising the risk of further transmission.
The Federal Government urged Nigerians and residents of the FCT to remain calm, avoid speculation and misinformation, and comply with advisories issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and other relevant health authorities.
It also advised the public to rely on verified information from official government channels as the response continues.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would maintain coordination with relevant national institutions and stakeholders in support of the government’s efforts to contain the infection.
It assured the public that further updates would be communicated through official channels as verified information becomes available.
