FG INTENSIFIES RESPONSE TO CONFIRMED EBOLA CASE IN FCT

The Federal Government has intensified its public health response following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.

The patient, a woman who recently travelled from Uganda, is in isolation and receiving medical care. Laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20, 2026.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, 44 close contacts had been identified when the case was announced. Health teams are monitoring those who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, caregivers, patients and travel contacts.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated its incident management system to coordinate the response. Its teams are focusing on contact tracing, disease surveillance, patient care and infection prevention.

Authorities are also strengthening protective measures at the private health facility where the woman received treatment before her diagnosis.

The ministry has urged public and private hospitals nationwide to remain alert, promptly isolate suspected cases and report them to public health authorities.

The World Health Organization and other partners are supporting the response through case investigations, contact tracing and the provision of essential supplies, including protective equipment for health workers.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, cooperate with contact-tracing teams and avoid spreading rumours or stigmatising affected people.

Officials say early detection, close monitoring of contacts and coordinated action remain central to preventing further transmission.