Yobe State Activates Ebola Response Following Case Confirmation

The Yobe State Government has activated its public health emergency response system and intensified surveillance across 17 local government areas after an imported case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was confirmed in Nigeria. The confirmation was made by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on October 20, 2026, involving a diplomat who traveled from Uganda and tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain.

Hajiya Hadiza Sabo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, stated that no cases had been recorded in Yobe, assuring residents that preventive measures were in place. As of October 24, 53 close contacts were identified and monitored, with 46 placed on a 21-day no-fly list.

Governor Mai Mala Buni directed the activation of the state’s Public Health Emergency Incident Management System and the development of a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. The State Emergency Operations Centre is on high alert, coordinating with health authorities and partners.

Isolation facilities have been equipped, and health workers trained to enhance response capabilities.