BREAKING: FG confirms Ebola case in Abuja, identifies 44 close contacts

The Federal Government has confirmed an imported case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with health authorities identifying 44 contacts and commencing surveillance to prevent further transmission.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, following laboratory confirmation of the infection.

Pate said the patient, a woman who recently travelled to Uganda in East Africa, returned to Nigeria with symptoms on September 7.

Her condition reportedly worsened four days later, prompting further medical attention and testing that confirmed the infection.

According to a government statement, the woman was admitted to a private hospital, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was established.

“She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care,” the statement said.

The minister said contact tracing had begun, with 44 people identified for follow-up, while surveillance was being strengthened at the country’s entry points to detect and respond to any potential spread.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the FCT Health Secretariat, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other partners were coordinating response efforts.

Pate urged public and private healthcare facilities to remain vigilant and ensure that health workers maintain a high index of suspicion for possible Ebola cases, particularly among patients presenting with compatible symptoms and relevant travel histories.

He also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, practise good hygiene and cooperate with public health officials.

Symptoms requiring attention include fever, weakness, headache and diarrhoea, although these symptoms can also occur in other illnesses.

According to Channels TV, the minister assured the public that the situation was being managed and pledged timely, transparent updates as containment measures continued.

He said Nigeria was drawing on its experience in containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak, alongside public health systems developed over the years, to strengthen preparedness and response.