Editor's Review

Nigeria has confirmed its first case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after a woman who recently travelled to the country from Uganda tested positive for the virus.

Nigeria has confirmed its first case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after a woman who recently travelled to the country from Uganda tested positive for the virus.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced the case on Tuesday, October 20, following laboratory confirmation.

"The Federal Government of Nigeria confirm one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory confirmation today, 20 October 2026," the ministry said.

The ministry said the patient, who arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was currently in isolation and receiving medical care as health authorities moved to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said it was coordinating the response with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities.

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"The Federal Minister of Health and Social Welfare and NCDC are working closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further spread," the ministry added.

The government said contact tracing had commenced, with 44 close contacts identified as public health teams worked to establish whether other people had been exposed to the virus.

"Contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts identified presently, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

"Surveillance has been intensified, and the hospital is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures," the ministry further said.

File image of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria Muhammad Ali Pate

The authorities also called on healthcare facilities across Nigeria to strengthen their preparedness and ensure that suspected Ebola cases were promptly identified, isolated and reported to public health officials.

"The FG calls on all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert. Healthcare workers must maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases to public health authorities," the statement noted.

The ministry sought to reassure the public that Nigeria had previous experience responding to Ebola, citing the country's successful containment of the disease in 2014.

"Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, and we have the experience and public health systems to respond to this case. The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public," the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has confirmed one additional Ebola case in Kenya, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to nine, including the first patient who died from the disease.

In a statement, the Ministry said the latest case involves a 24-year-old man who is a close family member of the index case. 

It said the patient was already in quarantine when he developed symptoms and was immediately isolated, tested and placed on treatment following confirmation of the infection.

"The new case is a known contact of the index case and was already in quarantine when he fell ill. All nine cases belong to one cluster, and as today there is no evidence of transmission outside this group," the statement read.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that the ninth case was identified on October 19, 2026, and that the patient received prompt medical attention after developing symptoms.

"The ninth case, a 24-year-old man is also a close family member of the first case, was confirmed on 19th October. He was isolated at the first sign of illness, tested and started on treatment immediately upon confirmation of his positive test result," the statement added.

The Ministry said the eight surviving patients are responding well to treatment and remain under close medical supervision. 

It added that the patients have shown significant improvement and are currently stable.