Nigeria's Health Minister Confirms New Ebola Case

On October 20, the Federal Government of Nigeria confirmed a new Ebola case involving a woman who recently arrived from Uganda on an international flight. Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced the case during a media conference in Abuja.

The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care at a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Pate described the situation as “a contained case” and assured the public that the government is collaborating with relevant authorities to prevent further transmission.

Contact tracing has commenced, identifying 44 close contacts, while public health teams are monitoring individuals who may have been exposed. The minister emphasized the importance of infection prevention and control measures and urged healthcare facilities to remain vigilant.

He also advised the public to practice hand hygiene and report any suspected cases to health authorities. Pate recalled Nigeria's successful containment of Ebola in 2014 and stressed the need for public cooperation in managing the current situation.