BREAKING: Nigeria confirms first Ebola case in FCT

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially confirmed the first case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to have occurred in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This alarming development came to light on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following the laboratory confirmation of the illness in a woman who had recently arrived in Nigeria aboard an international flight from Uganda.

The patient, who had been receiving care at a private hospital in the FCT for several days prior to her admission, is presently isolated and undergoing treatment.

Health authorities, led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, have announced the commencement of contact tracing efforts. So far, 44 close contacts have been identified, encompassing healthcare workers, patients, caregivers, and individuals with whom the patient may have had travel-related interactions.

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), is diligently working to contain the infection and prevent any further spread. The NCDC has urged the Nigerian populace to maintain a calm demeanor while remaining vigilant, advocating for regular hand hygiene practices and the immediate reporting of suspected exposures or symptoms to relevant public health authorities.

To facilitate this process, the NCDC has established a toll-free call centre that operates round the clock on 6232, providing invaluable information and support for suspected case reporting.