Nigeria's Health Minister Confirms Ebola Case in FCT

The Federal Government confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20. Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced that the patient, a woman who arrived from Uganda, is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

Pate described the situation as “a contained case” and stated that the woman had been treated at a private hospital for several days before the diagnosis. Contact tracing has identified 44 close contacts, and public health teams are monitoring those who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers and travelers.

Surveillance efforts have been intensified, and the private hospital is receiving support to enhance infection prevention measures. Pate urged healthcare facilities to remain vigilant and the public to practice strict hygiene and report any suspected cases.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation in containing the infection, recalling Nigeria's successful response to Ebola in 2014.