NCDC Reports Deteriorating Condition of Ebola Patient

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that the condition of an Ebola patient in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has deteriorated, leading to multiple organ failure. Olajumoke Babatunde, the Director of Public Health Laboratory Service at the NCDC, stated that laboratory tests confirmed the patient was infected with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with three rounds of molecular tests conducted for identification.

The World Health Organisation also confirmed this strain, which currently lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment. The patient, a female diplomat who traveled from Uganda to Abuja on October 3, 2026, developed symptoms similar to malaria and was admitted to a private hospital on October 11 after showing symptoms on October 7.

The NCDC has identified 44 individuals who had close contact with her, including health workers and caregivers, as part of containment efforts. The patient is in isolation and receiving medical care, while surveillance has been intensified to monitor potential exposures.