On 20 October 2026, Nigeria confirmed the first Ebola case linked to the disease's resurgence in East Africa. The patient, a woman who arrived from Uganda, was isolated in an Abuja hospital after showing symptoms four days after landing.
Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate announced laboratory confirmation and identified 44 close contacts for tracing. The country’s rapid response echoes its victory over the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
Investigators are scrutinising her itinerary, which included a stop in Uganda and possible exposure in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the current outbreak remains fierce. The World Health Organization is monitoring the situation closely.
Public health officials urge calm, encourage hand washing and prompt medical attention for anyone developing symptoms, and stress cooperation with contact‑tracing teams. Nigeria also updated its travel advisory for incoming travellers from high‑risk regions.
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