WHO WARNS OF COMPLEX EBOLA SPREAD AFTER NIGERIA CONFIRMS CASE

The World Health Organization has called for stronger disease surveillance and rapid response measures following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported Bundibugyo Ebola case in Abuja.

The development adds to an increasingly complex regional health emergency, with authorities working to trace infections and prevent the virus from spreading further.

Nigeria confirmed the infection on October 20 in a woman who had recently travelled from Uganda. Investigators are examining her travel and exposure history to establish where she contracted the virus.

WHO said the patient was receiving medical care in isolation. Its October 20 update reported that 44 contacts had been identified for monitoring, while efforts continued to locate others who might have been exposed.

Being identified as a contact does not mean someone is infected. Monitoring helps health teams detect symptoms quickly and arrange testing and care when necessary.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated its response coordination system. WHO and other partners are supporting case investigation, contact tracing, infection control and supplies for health workers.

The agency has also urged countries to prepare laboratories, response teams and health facilities, while keeping communities informed.

Separately, WHO has clarified that one imported case does not, by itself, mean Nigeria is experiencing an Ebola outbreak.

The priority is to identify any additional infections early, protect healthcare workers and prevent onward transmission through a coordinated public health response.