THE Federal Government, Tuesday, confirmed an Ebola infection in the FCT and identified 44 people who may have been exposed to the virus. The Health Minister and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the development after laboratory tests confirmed the case.
THIS is the first imported case of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain in Abuja, which was discovered on October 20, 2026. The patient, who health sources said is not a Nigerian but wife of a diplomat, is in isolation and receiving medical care after being admitted to a hospital in Abuja, while Health authorities are tracking the 44 close contacts. She developed symptoms on Wednesday 7 October, four days after arriving in the country, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
THE current infection, according to sources, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which is distinct from past outbreaks and currently lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment. The case is tied to a wider regional resurgence originating in parts of Central and East Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
AS part of measures to restrain the virus, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and local agencies have activated emergency response protocols and enhanced screening at entry points.
EBOLA is a rare but deadly disease caused by a virus. As the disease progresses, vomiting and diarrhea develop and it can lead to organ failure. Some, but not all, patients develop internal and external bleeding. The disease spreads from one person to another by contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood or vomit.
NIGERIA, the first West African state to report a case linked to the current Ebola crisis in East Africa, successfully stopped a previous outbreak in 2014, which caused at least eight deaths.
NIGERIA’S experience in successfully containing an Ebola outbreak in 2014 raised confidence that the country can respond effectively to new public health threats.
HOWEVER, success would depend on funding and commitment. We therefore urge the Federal Government to take the right actions at the right time, and put good command structures on the ground.
WE also urge members of the public to remain vigilant and practice regular hand washing and sanitising.
NIGERIA should step up disease surveillance, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control issuing public health advice to travellers, while travellers from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission be subjected to complete a health declaration form.
TRAVELLERS should remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms of Ebola.
