Nigeria Confirms Imported Case of Ebola Bundibugyo Virus in Abuja

Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on 20 October, marking the fifth country to detect the virus amid an ongoing regional outbreak, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The patient, a woman who recently travelled from Uganda, developed symptoms on 7 October, four days after arriving in Nigeria. She visited a private medical facility in Abuja on 11 October, where laboratory testing later confirmed the infection on 20 October. Health authorities stated she is currently isolated and undergoing medical treatment while investigators work to trace her complete exposure and travel history.

Health officials reported that 44 contacts have been identified and placed under monitoring, with tracing efforts continuing to locate any additional exposed individuals. Infection prevention and control protocols are being reinforced at the private facility where the patient was initially treated.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated its incident management system to lead the national response. The WHO and partner agencies are collaborating with Nigerian authorities to provide personal protective equipment and support contact tracing, infection control, and case investigations.

Nigeria is the fifth country to report the virus since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 15 May 2026. In recent weeks, Kenya also confirmed nine cases connected to an imported infection.

The WHO has called on regional nations to enhance disease surveillance, laboratory readiness, and monitoring at points of entry, though it currently advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions on affected countries.

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