The Federal Government has intensified Ebola surveillance across Nigeria following reports that an infected patient in Abuja has developed multiple organ failure.
According to The PUNCH, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention disclosed the patient’s deteriorating condition during an emergency meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The NCDC’s Director of Public Health Laboratory Services, Olajumoke Babatunde, confirmed that laboratory investigations identified the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
“The patient’s condition has deteriorated,” Babatunde said, explaining that three rounds of molecular testing confirmed the infection.
The woman reportedly arrived in Nigeria from Uganda before developing symptoms and seeking treatment at a private hospital in Abuja.
Health officials subsequently confirmed the infection and commenced emergency measures to prevent further transmission.
FG intensifies Ebola containment measures
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, assured Nigerians that authorities were working to contain the imported case.
Pate disclosed that Nigeria was collaborating with Uganda to investigate the infection and trace individuals who might have encountered the patient.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm and rely on official health information.
“We must be vigilant, but not panic,” the minister said.
The NCDC has activated its incident management system, strengthening disease surveillance, contact tracing and infection prevention measures.
Officials have also intensified public awareness campaigns to ensure suspected cases are reported promptly.
46 Ebola contacts placed on no-fly list
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered travel restrictions on 46 people potentially exposed to the infected patient.
The affected individuals include 44 hospital contacts and two domestic workers.
Keyamo directed aviation authorities to prevent them from boarding flights for 21 days while health officials monitor their condition.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has also strengthened screening procedures at international airports.
The measures include temperature checks, travel history assessments and digital health declarations for passengers.
Several states have also activated emergency response systems to strengthen preparedness.
Ogun State monitored 111 persons of interest, while Anambra reported that 33 of its 40 identified contacts had completed monitoring.
Niger, Yobe, Ekiti, Enugu and Kano have also strengthened surveillance and emergency preparedness.
Senate calls for stronger Ebola prevention
The Senate has urged the Federal Government to introduce mandatory health screening at international airports, seaports and designated land borders.
Lawmakers also demanded emergency funding to strengthen isolation centres, laboratory testing and disease surveillance nationwide.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned that authorities must act quickly to prevent further transmission.
The House of Representatives similarly called for the release of outstanding funds to support emergency health interventions.
Health authorities have urged Nigerians to report suspected infections, cooperate with contact-tracing teams and avoid spreading unverified information.
Officials stressed that individuals identified as contacts are not automatically infected with Ebola.
The government maintained that surveillance and containment measures would continue as investigations into the imported case progress.
