Nigeria activates emergency response to Ebola case in Abuja

Nigeria has activated an emergency public health response following the confirmation of its first Ebola case in 12 years. The case, involving a woman who traveled from Uganda, was reported in Abuja on 20 October 2026.

She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care for the Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease, which is linked to a strain responsible for a significant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Health authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), are collaborating to contain the virus through early detection, safe treatment, and preventing community transmission.

Niger State has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, while Kano State has reactivated its emergency operations centre. Kaduna State is enhancing health-facility readiness and planning awareness campaigns.

The last recorded Ebola case in Nigeria was in 2014, leading to an outbreak that resulted in eight deaths. Quick action is crucial to prevent further spread, especially given Abuja's status as a major travel hub.