Nigeria Confirms Ebola Case in Abuja, Tracks 44 Contacts After Arrival From Uganda

BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

The Federal Government has confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), triggering an emergency public health response as authorities work to trace people who may have come into contact with the infected patient.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced the development at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, October 20, following laboratory confirmation of the infection.

The patient, a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda on an international flight, is currently in isolation and receiving medical treatment at a health facility in the FCT.

Pate described the case as contained, assuring Nigerians that health authorities were taking steps to prevent further transmission. However, he stressed the importance of vigilance and public cooperation as investigations into the possible spread of the virus continue.

According to the minister, the woman had spent several days receiving treatment at a private hospital in Abuja before laboratory tests confirmed the infection. Health officials have since begun contact tracing, identifying 44 close contacts who are being monitored as part of efforts to establish whether others may have been exposed.

The tracing exercise covers people who may have interacted with the patient, including healthcare workers, other patients, caregivers and relevant travel contacts. Authorities are also working to identify additional people who might have been exposed during her journey or treatment.

“Surveillance has also been intensified, and the private hospital where the patient was treated is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures,” Pate said.

The government has directed public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain alert for possible cases, with particular emphasis on promptly identifying, isolating and reporting anyone who develops symptoms consistent with Ebola.

What Nigerians need to know about the virus

Pate explained that Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died from the disease. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated materials.

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He urged Nigerians to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola and pay attention to symptoms, particularly if they have had a possible exposure.

Symptoms may include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea. Anyone who suspects they may have been exposed should contact public health authorities promptly, even if they feel well.

The minister advised people who develop symptoms to avoid close contact with others and seek guidance from public health officials before visiting a healthcare facility. The precaution is intended to help health workers arrange appropriate care while reducing the risk of exposing other patients and medical personnel.

Pate also appealed to people contacted by disease surveillance teams, including relevant airline passengers, to provide accurate information and comply with instructions from health authorities.

He warned against spreading unverified information or stigmatising people because of suspected exposure, urging the public to rely on official announcements for updates on the situation.

Government draws on Nigeria's 2014 Ebola experience

The minister recalled Nigeria's successful response to the Ebola outbreak in 2014, expressing confidence that the country could draw on its previous experience and existing public health systems to contain the latest case.

He said the government, working through the Presidential Taskforce on Ebola Virus Disease and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), would continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Despite the government's assurance that the case was contained, Pate emphasised that early detection, timely reporting and public cooperation would be essential to preventing further transmission.

For anyone seeking information or wishing to report a suspected case, the NCDC's toll-free call centre is available around the clock.

“NCDC free call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information or to report a suspected case, please call NCDC toll-free number 6232,” Pate said.

With 44 contacts identified for monitoring, health authorities are now focused on determining whether the infection has spread beyond the initial patient. The coming days will be important in assessing the outcome of the contact-tracing exercise and the effectiveness of measures put in place to contain the case.