The Federal Capital Territory recorded its first laboratory‑confirmed Ebola infection on Tuesday, prompting Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare [Ali Pate](https://www.health.gov.ng/) to advise Nigerians to stay alert, avoid hysteria and rely only on official updates.
Key facts:
- The patient, a woman who arrived on an international flight from Uganda, was treated at a private hospital in Abuja before the diagnosis was confirmed.
- Authorities have identified 44 close contacts and begun rigorous contact‑tracing procedures.
- The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has activated its incident management system, with response teams operating 24/7.
- A task force, coordinated with Ugandan health officials, is overseeing containment measures to prevent community spread.
- Minister Pate met with President’s Chief of Staff [Femi Gbajabiamila](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femi_Gbajabiamila) to discuss the response strategy.
What actions are being taken?
The federal government, in partnership with Ugandan health authorities, is implementing isolation protocols for the confirmed case and monitoring all identified contacts. The NCDC’s incident management system is directing resources, while health workers conduct daily health checks on those exposed.
Why is calm important?
Pate emphasized that panic can hinder effective response, urging citizens to trust information from reputable sources such as the Ministry of Health and the NCDC. He reassured the public that Nigeria possesses the expertise and infrastructure needed to manage the outbreak.
How will the public stay informed?
The ministry pledged continuous updates as verified data become available, and urged media outlets and individuals to refrain from spreading unverified rumours. The focus remains on containment, surveillance, and transparent communication to safeguard public health.
The imported case underscores the importance of border health screening and rapid diagnostic capacity, but officials remain confident that the coordinated response will limit the virus’s spread within Nigeria.