Ebola: FG Seeks Cooperation From Passengers as 44 Contacts Are Identified

The Federal Government has urged passengers who travelled with a woman diagnosed with Ebola in Abuja to cooperate with public health officials as efforts intensify to prevent further spread of the disease.

The appeal follows the confirmation of Nigeria's latest Ebola case on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after the woman, who recently arrived from Uganda on an international flight, tested positive for the virus.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said 44 people who may have been exposed to the patient had been identified, with contact tracing still ongoing.

The patient reportedly began experiencing symptoms on October 7 and was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja on October 11. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

Health officials are working to identify and monitor people who may have had contact with her, including healthcare workers, other patients, caregivers and fellow travellers.

The minister urged anyone contacted by public health teams to provide the requested information and comply with official instructions to support efforts to contain the infection.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the FCT Health Services Secretariat are coordinating the response.

Authorities have also directed public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain vigilant, promptly isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection-prevention measures and report suspected infections without delay.

Ebola is a serious viral disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, or through contaminated materials.

Symptoms may include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea. People who suspect exposure and develop symptoms should contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

Nigeria previously contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 through coordinated surveillance, isolation, contact tracing and other public health measures.

The current case comes amid a wider regional outbreak that has prompted increased surveillance and preparedness measures in Nigeria and other African countries.

The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and cooperate with health authorities as investigations and contact tracing continue.

Members of the public can contact the NCDC's toll-free line on 6232 for information or to report a suspected case.

Newsmonger will continue to monitor official updates on the response and any further developments.