Nigeria has confirmed a case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with 44 contacts identified and placed under monitoring.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), in a Facebook post on Tuesday, October 20, said the infected person is a woman who recently travelled from Uganda. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
The case makes Nigeria the fifth country to report the virus since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on May 15, 2026.
According to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the woman developed 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.
Health authorities are investigating the source of the infection and tracing people who may have come into contact with the patient. They are also strengthening infection prevention and control measures at the facility where she received treatment.
The WHO said it is supporting Nigeria’s response through case investigations, contact tracing and the provision of essential supplies, including protective equipment for health workers.
The organisation has urged countries across the region to strengthen disease surveillance and preparedness as the outbreak continues to evolve. It has also advised against imposing travel and trade restrictions on affected countries.
The latest confirmation comes amid continued efforts to contain the outbreak in the DRC, with the WHO warning countries in the region to remain vigilant and strengthen their response systems.
Kenya has also reported nine cases linked to an imported infection in recent weeks, according to the WHO.
