Nigeria has confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with 44 contacts identified and placed under monitoring.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, October 20, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the patient is a woman with a recent travel history to Uganda who is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
The case makes Nigeria the fifth country to detect 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’s symptoms began on October 7, and she sought treatment at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11. Laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20.
Authorities are investigating the source of the infection and tracing contacts, while strengthening infection prevention measures at the facility where she received treatment.
WHO added that 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 in the region to strengthen disease surveillance and preparedness as the outbreak continues to evolve. It has also advised against travel and trade restrictions on affected countries.
The confirmation comes as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC continues to evolve, prompting the WHO to urge countries across the region to strengthen their preparedness and surveillance systems.
Kenya has also reported nine cases linked to an imported infection in recent weeks, according to the WHO.
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