Nigeria has confirmed its first Ebola case in more than a decade after a woman tested positive for the virus in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Federal Government announced the case on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following laboratory confirmation of the infection.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the patient recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda and is receiving medical care in isolation at a private hospital in Abuja.
The woman reportedly arrived in Nigeria on October 5 and developed symptoms two days later. She sought treatment at a private health facility on October 11 after experiencing symptoms similar to malaria.
Health authorities confirmed the infection on October 20 and began contact tracing to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The government said 44 contacts had been identified, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. They are being monitored to prevent further transmission.
The case is linked to the regional outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease, which was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2026.
However, authorities are still investigating where the woman contracted the infection. Her travel history through Uganda does not establish that she acquired the virus there.
The Federal Government has urged hospitals to remain alert, promptly isolate suspected cases and maintain strict infection prevention measures.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, as well as contaminated materials.
Nigeria previously contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 after the virus was introduced by an infected traveller from Liberia. The country recorded 20 confirmed and probable cases during that outbreak, with eight deaths.
Authorities say public health agencies are working to contain the latest case and prevent further spread.
