Nigeria has confirmed an imported case of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and has placed 44 contacts under monitoring.
The patient, a woman who travelled from Uganda, began showing symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11. Laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20, the same day the World Health Organization announced the case on Facebook.
With this case, Nigeria becomes the fifth country to detect the virus since the outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 15, 2026. Authorities are investigating the source of the infection and tracing contacts, while also tightening infection prevention measures at the treatment facility.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the woman is currently in isolation and receiving medical care. WHO is supporting Nigeria’s response through case investigations, contact tracing and the provision of essential supplies, including protective equipment for health workers.
WHO has urged countries in the region to strengthen disease surveillance and preparedness, and has advised against travel and trade restrictions on affected countries. The outbreak continues to evolve, with Kenya reporting nine cases linked to imported infections in recent weeks.
Health officials will continue monitoring the situation and updating the public as more information becomes available.
