Breaking: Nigeria Confirms Ebola Case in FCT, Identifies 44 Contacts, Activates Emergency Response

The Nigerian government has confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), according to a media conference in Abuja on Tuesday. The patient, a woman who arrived from Uganda on an international flight, was immediately isolated and receiving medical care. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, described the case as contained and assured that the government was working with relevant authorities to prevent further spread.

Contact tracing has begun, with 44 close contacts identified so far. Public health teams are monitoring potential exposures, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers, and travel contacts. The patient had been receiving care at a private hospital in the FCT before the diagnosis. Surveillance has been intensified, and the hospital is receiving support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

Pate urged healthcare facilities nationwide to remain vigilant, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, and report them to public health authorities. He reminded Nigerians to observe strict infection prevention and control measures, practice regular hand hygiene, and avoid contact with the body fluids of suspected Ebola cases.

Symptoms of the infection include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. The government emphasized that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. Nigerians were advised to report suspected cases immediately, even if they felt well, while those who developed symptoms should avoid close contact with others and seek medical guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

Pate cautioned against rumors, misinformation, and stigmatization, urging Nigerians to rely on verified information from official health authorities. He recalled Nigeria's successful containment of Ebola in 2014 and emphasized the importance of cooperation from the public in containing the infection. The government through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) will continue to provide updates.

Nigerians can call NCDC's free call centre 24/7 at 6232 for information or to report a suspected case.