Ebola: 7 Things To Know As NCDC Releases Fresh Update

The federal government has confirmed an Ebola virus disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), prompting intensified surveillance, contact tracing and infection prevention measures.

According to an update attributed to the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), dated October 20, 2026, the patient is a woman who recently arrived from Uganda on an international flight.

The woman was reportedly treated at a private hospital for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed through laboratory tests. She is now in isolation, while health authorities have begun tracing people who may have had contact with her.

Here are seven key things to know about the reported Ebola case and the public health measures being taken.

1. One case confirmed in the FCT

The update states that one Ebola case was confirmed in the FCT on October 20, 2026, following laboratory confirmation.

The reported case has prompted health authorities to strengthen surveillance and response measures to limit the potential spread of the disease.

2. Patient recently arrived from Uganda

The patient is described as a woman who recently travelled from Uganda to Nigeria on an international flight.

She reportedly spent several days receiving care at a private hospital before the infection was diagnosed. She has since been placed in isolation.

3. Contact tracing begins as 44 contacts identified

Contact tracing has commenced, with 44 close contacts identified at the time of the update.

The contacts reportedly include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Authorities are expected to monitor identified contacts and assess their potential exposure.

The update also urges relevant airline passengers to cooperate with contact tracers.

4. Health authorities intensify response

The Health Minister, NCDC and the FCT Health Services Secretariat are coordinating the response, according to the update.

Surveillance has been intensified, while the hospital involved is receiving support to strengthen infection prevention and control.

The response is aimed at identifying possible additional cases and preventing further transmission.

5. Hospitals placed on alert

Public and private health facilities have been urged to remain vigilant and maintain a high index of suspicion for possible Ebola cases.

The advisory calls on healthcare providers to promptly isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and report cases immediately.

6. Know how Ebola spreads and its warning signs

Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected or deceased person, as well as contaminated materials.

The public advisory lists the following symptoms to watch for, particularly after possible exposure:

• Fever.
• Severe weakness.
• Headache.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Anyone who suspects exposure is advised to report it immediately, even if symptoms have not developed.

People who develop symptoms should avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

7. Nigerians urged to remain calm and avoid misinformation

The public has been advised to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of suspected cases, and cooperate with contact tracers.

The advisory also warns against spreading rumours or stigmatising people and urges Nigerians to rely on official sources for updates.

It further states that Nigeria has experience responding to Ebola, having contained an outbreak in 2014.

The update lists the NCDC toll-free number as 6232, available 24 hours a day, for public health information and reporting concerns.