*FG Places All Healthcare Facilities Nationwide On High Alert
*One Person Affected In FCT, Admitted In Hospital, Isolated, Contact Tracing On 44 Persons Ongoing
Federal Government (FG) has confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory confirmation on Tuesday, 20 October.
The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital in FCT, where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.
She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, who disclosed news of the affliction, said his Ministry and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) are working closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further spread.
He added that contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts identified presently, as public health teams identify and monitor people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.
People&Politics reports that World Health Organization (WHO) and local media in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) say that as of 19 October, 2026, the Ebola outbreak in the central African country has claimed 4,602 lives. Such is how deadly the disease is.
In the case in FCT, Prof Pate assured that surveillance has been intensified, and the affected hospital is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
The FG called on all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert.
Healthcare workers were instructed to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases to public health authorities.
What Nigerians Should Know, Do
*Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with the disease or has died from it, or through contact with contaminated materials.
*A person with Ebola cannot spread the disease before symptoms begin.
The Minister advised Nigerians to:
*Remain calm but vigilant, insisting there is no need for panic.
*Practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola.
*Watch Out for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
*Report any possible exposure immediately, even if such person feels well.
“If you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
“Cooperate with public health teams. Anyone contacted during contact tracing, including relevant airline passengers, should provide the necessary information and follow public health advice.
“Avoid rumours and stigma. Share only verified information from official health authorities,” the federal health authorities counseled in a statement.
The statement added: Our Assurance to Nigerians: Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, and we have the experience and public health systems to respond to this case.
“However, containing Ebola requires everyone to play their part. The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public.
“Investigations are ongoing, and we will continue to provide accurate and timely information.
“We urge Nigerians to remain calm, stay vigilant and cooperate with public health authorities. Early detection, prompt reporting and everyone’s cooperation are critical to preventing further spread.
“The Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and NCDC will continue to provide updates.
“NCDC free call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information or to report a suspected case, please call NCDC toll-free number 6232.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Fully-attired healthcare workers moving an Ebola patient in DR Congo.
