Nigeria Confirms Imported Ebola Case in FCT, Tracks 44 Contacts

Nigeria has confirmed an imported case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, with the patient in isolation and 44 contacts identified for tracing. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed the confirmation in Abuja on Tuesday.

Patient travelled from Uganda

Pate said laboratory tests confirmed the infection in a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda. She began experiencing symptoms on October 7, with her condition worsening four days later.

The woman arrived on an international flight from Uganda and was admitted to a private hospital, where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.

"The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital… where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed," the statement said. "She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care."

Government activates response

The Ministry of Health, the FCT Health Secretariat, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other partners are working to contain the infection and prevent further spread. Pate urged public and private health facilities to remain on high alert and for health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and promptly report suspected infections.

He advised Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, practise good hygiene and watch for symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache and diarrhoea. The government is drawing on Nigeria’s experience in containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the public health systems developed since then.

Identified contacts are being traced and monitored. The government said it would provide timely and transparent updates. Nigerians who develop Ebola-like symptoms after travelling to affected countries should contact public health authorities. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention can be reached on its toll-free line, 6232.

Regional outbreak raises alert

The confirmation comes amid Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the detection of cases in Kenya. On October 18, Kenya had confirmed four additional Ebola cases, bringing its total to seven infections, including one death. Three of the new cases involved healthcare workers who had attended to the country’s first confirmed patient.

Earlier, on October 6, Kenya confirmed its first Ebola case after a citizen who had returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo tested positive and later died in Nairobi. Before the latest confirmation, the NCDC had heightened vigilance and reviewed the country’s preparedness measures.

In May, the NCDC said Nigeria had no confirmed Ebola case but warned of the risk of importation amid the regional outbreak. The agency said it had strengthened surveillance, laboratory readiness and coordination with health authorities at entry points. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria also activated enhanced Ebola surveillance, screening and emergency response protocols at international airports nationwide in May.

The alert puts airport screening and public health reporting back in focus for travellers and businesses that depend on cross-border movement.