The Federal Government has reportedly launched an emergency contact-tracing exercise in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following the identification of a suspected imported case of Ebola virus disease, with 44 close contacts already identified for monitoring. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a statement signed by the ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, following reports of laboratory confirmation on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. According to the statement, the patient is a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She was reportedly admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. The woman has since been placed in isolation and is receiving medical care, the statement said. Pate explained that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant agencies to contain the reported infection and prevent further transmission. As part of the response, public health officials have commenced contact tracing to identify, locate and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the patient. Those being monitored reportedly include healthcare workers, fellow patients, caregivers and other individuals who may have had contact with the woman during her treatment or travels. Relevant airline passengers are also being urged to cooperate with health authorities where necessary. The minister said surveillance activities had been intensified, while the private hospital where the woman was treated was receiving support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures. He called on anyone contacted by public health officials during the tracing exercise to provide accurate information and comply fully with the instructions issued by health authorities. Pate also urged healthcare facilities across the country, both public and private, to heighten their vigilance and promptly report any suspected Ebola cases to the appropriate public health agencies. Healthcare workers were advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, recognise potential symptoms early, isolate suspected cases without delay and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols. <em><strong>FG Urges Nigerians to Remain Calm, Watch for Symptoms</strong></em> The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to remain calm while observing recommended public health precautions to reduce the risk of possible transmission. Members of the public were advised to practise regular handwashing and avoid contact with the blood or other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola virus disease. The symptoms highlighted by the minister include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea. Authorities urged particular caution among individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Pate stressed that anyone who suspects they may have been exposed should immediately contact public health authorities for guidance, even if they have not developed symptoms. Individuals who develop symptoms after a possible exposure were advised to avoid close contact with others and call public health officials before visiting a healthcare facility. The measure is intended to help prevent potential exposure of other patients, healthcare workers and members of the public. The minister further warned against spreading unverified information or stigmatising people who may have been exposed to the virus, urging Nigerians to rely on official communications from recognised health authorities. He said the Federal Government, the FCT administration and their partners were working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider population as investigations and public health response activities continued. NCDC Activates Public Information Channel As part of efforts to provide information and receive reports of suspected cases, the statement said the NCDC's toll-free call centre was available around the clock, seven days a week. Members of the public who require information or wish to report a suspected case were advised to call 6232 for assistance. The authorities are continuing their investigation and contact-tracing activities as they work to assess potential exposure and contain the reported infection.
