Nigerian health authorities have begun monitoring 44 contacts following confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as efforts intensify to prevent further transmission.
The infected person, a woman who recently travelled from Uganda, is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, October 20, the WHO said investigations were underway to establish the source of the infection and identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the woman developed symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private health facility in Abuja four days later. Laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20.
Health authorities are strengthening infection prevention and control measures at the facility where she initially received treatment while continuing contact tracing and monitoring.
The WHO is supporting the country’s response through investigations, surveillance and the provision of essential supplies, including protective equipment for health workers.
Nigeria’s case brings to five the number of countries that have detected the virus since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on May 15, 2026.
The development has heightened calls for countries across the region to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency preparedness as health authorities work to contain the spread of the infection.
The WHO has urged countries to improve their readiness to detect and respond to suspected cases, while advising against imposing travel and trade restrictions on affected countries.
Kenya has also reported nine cases linked to an imported infection in recent weeks, according to the organisation.
The situation underscores the importance of rapid case detection, contact tracing and effective infection prevention measures in limiting the risk of further transmission across national borders.
