Nigeria has confirmed a case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), prompting health authorities to step up surveillance and begin tracing people who may have been exposed to the virus.

The Federal Government said on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, that the patient, a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda on an international flight, is receiving treatment in isolation at a private hospital in the FCT.

According to a statement signed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, health officials have identified 44 close contacts, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and fellow travellers.

Public health teams have begun monitoring the identified contacts while efforts continue to locate other people who may have come into contact with the patient.

The government has also directed public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases.

It urged healthcare workers to identify and isolate suspected patients without delay, maintain strict infection prevention measures and notify public health authorities immediately of any suspected infection.