The Federal Government has activated a nationwide response to contain Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola Virus Disease case, deploying contact tracing, quarantine measures and additional resources to prevent further transmission.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja saying the patient was receiving treatment and showing significant improvement in laboratory results, raising hopes of a full recovery.
Pate said the case was imported based on the patient’s travel history and that contact tracing had commenced at the hospital, among her domestic contacts and at a private clinic she visited. High risk contacts have been placed in quarantine, while other contacts are being monitored in line with public health guidelines.
He said the case was diagnosed and confirmed within 24 hours of notification, demonstrating Nigeria’s capacity to respond swiftly to public health emergencies.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is coordinating the response alongside the Federal Capital Territory authorities, with additional funding released by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen containment efforts.
The government is also working with state authorities, hospitals, private healthcare providers and international partners, including the World Health Organisation and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, to strengthen surveillance, isolation facilities and infection prevention measures.
Pate said Nigeria was working to sequence the virus’s genome, with infectious disease genomics expert Prof. Christian Happi supporting the NCDC’s efforts.
He stressed that there was currently no evidence of community transmission, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant without panicking.
The minister advised the public to wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with infected body fluids and promptly notify health authorities if they develop symptoms such as fever, headaches or muscle aches, particularly after relevant travel exposure. Anyone identified as a contact must comply with quarantine or isolation directives.
On public gatherings, Pate said there was currently no indication that scheduled conferences and major events needed to be cancelled, adding that any changes would depend on scientific evidence and the evolving situation.
He also warned against misinformation, urging the media and public figures to rely on credible medical sources and avoid spreading unverified claims that could undermine containment efforts.
The government has engaged traditional and religious leaders to promote public awareness and cooperation, while hospitals have been directed to ensure adequate isolation facilities and properly trained health workers.
Pate expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to contain the case, citing the country’s experience managing Ebola in 2014 and its existing public health infrastructure.
“There is no need for panic, but vigilance is essential,” he said, urging Nigerians to cooperate with health authorities to prevent a wider outbreak.
