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

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the development, following laboratory confirmation of the infection.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the patient is a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja after developing symptoms and is currently in isolation, receiving medical care.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed that laboratory testing detected the Bundibugyo virus . Investigations are ongoing to establish the likely source of the infection and reconstruct the patient’s travel and exposure history.

Public health teams have begun monitoring the 44 identified contacts, including people who may have been exposed through healthcare settings and travel. Authorities are also working to identify additional contacts who could have come into contact with the patient.

The response involves the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant public health authorities. Surveillance has been intensified, while the hospital where the patient received treatment is being supported to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

The Federal Government has directed public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain vigilant, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, adhere to infection prevention protocols and report suspected infections to public health authorities without delay.

Nigerians have also been advised to maintain good hand hygiene and avoid direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.

Symptoms to watch for include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea. Anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure should avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

The government has urged people contacted during the tracing exercise, including potentially exposed airline passengers, to cooperate with health officials and comply with monitoring instructions.

The confirmed case comes amid a wider regional outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease linked to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with infections also reported in other African countries. The NCDC had raised concerns about the risk of importing the disease into Nigeria following confirmation of a case in Kenya.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, as well as contaminated objects and surfaces. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days.

Nigeria previously contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 through coordinated surveillance, isolation, contact tracing and other public health interventions.

Pate said Nigeria had the experience and public health systems needed to respond to the current case, while stressing the importance of public cooperation in preventing further transmission.

The Federal Government said investigations and contact tracing were continuing, with further updates expected through the NCDC and the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease.

Members of the public can contact the NCDC’s toll-free call centre on 6232, available 24 hours a day, for information or to report a suspected case.

Nigeria confirms an imported Ebola Bundibugyo virus case in Abuja, identifies 44 contacts and intensifies surveillance and contact tracing to prevent further transmission.