On 20 October 2026, Nigerian officials confirmed an Ebola virus disease case in the Federal Capital Territory. The patient, a woman who arrived from Uganda on an international flight, is now in isolation at a private hospital in Abuja. The federal government has expanded its public‑health response, coordinating ministries, the NCDC and local health services to contain any further spread.
Key details:
- The woman was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT and later tested positive for Ebola virus disease.
- The announcement was made by the [Ministry of Foreign Affairs](https://mofa.gov.ng) spokesperson Mr Oluwafemi Adeniyi on Thursday.
- Contact‑tracing teams have identified 44 close contacts, including health workers, caregivers and travel companions, who are being monitored.
- The [Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare](https://health.gov.ng) together with the [National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)](https://ncdc.gov.ng) are overseeing surveillance, laboratory testing and infection‑prevention protocols.
- Adeniyi said, “Members of the public are urged to remain calm, avoid speculation and rely only on verified information from official government channels.”
**What agencies are leading the response?**
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the NCDC and the FCT Health Services Secretariat to isolate the patient, conduct laboratory analysis and implement infection‑control measures across health facilities. Coordination also extends to border agencies to monitor any further arrivals from affected regions.
**How is contact tracing being carried out?**
Response teams have begun systematic identification, assessment and monitoring of individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. The 44 listed contacts are receiving daily health checks, and any signs of illness will trigger immediate testing and isolation in line with established public‑health guidelines.
**What guidance is being given to the public?**
Authorities are urging Nigerians and residents to stay calm, avoid spreading rumors and follow instructions issued by the Federal Ministry of Health, the NCDC and other relevant health bodies. The public is advised to seek information only from official channels and to cooperate fully with contact‑tracing efforts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to liaise with all relevant national institutions and stakeholders, promising regular updates as verified information becomes available. Officials thanked the public and health workers for their cooperation in managing the situation.