Authorities have stepped up containment measures against the Ebola virus disease following the detection of a positive case within the Federal Capital Territory, prompting officials to track down 44 individuals who had close contact for active monitoring.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
According to the ministry, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda and was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the infection was confirmed.
The statement said the woman was currently in isolation and receiving treatment.
It added that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant agencies were working together to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.
“Contact tracing operations have commenced, with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring and appropriate public health follow-up,” the statement reads in part.
The ministry said response teams were working to identify and monitor people who might have been exposed to the virus, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals linked to the woman’s travel.
It added that surveillance, laboratory testing and other response activities were being coordinated in line with established public health protocols.
“These measures are intended to facilitate the early identification of potential cases, strengthen infection prevention and control, and minimise the risk of further transmission,” the statement said.
The Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid speculation and misinformation, and comply with advisories issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and other relevant health authorities.
“The public is further encouraged to rely exclusively on verified information from official government channels,” the ministry said.
It assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to liaise with relevant national institutions and other stakeholders in support of the government’s coordinated response.
What You Should Know
A confirmed case of the Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory has triggered an emergency public health response, with 44 individuals currently under close medical observation. The infected traveler arrived on an international flight from Uganda and sought care at a private medical facility before the diagnosis was verified.
- Positive Impact: Swift activation of contact tracing and multi-agency health collaboration helps contain transmission risks early and prevents widespread community exposure.
- Potential Concerns: The presence of the deadly virus poses immediate public health risks, heightening anxiety and underscoring the critical need for strict compliance with official safety advisories.
