Nigeria has confirmed one imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), becoming the fifth country to detect the virus since the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared an outbreak on May 15, 2026.

The Federal Ministry of Health reported that the patient is a woman with a recent travel history to Uganda.

Her symptoms began on October 7, four days after she arrived in Nigeria, and she sought care at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11.

A laboratory test confirmed Bundibugyo virus on October 20. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care. Investigations are ongoing to establish the likely source of her infection and reconstruct her full travel and exposure history.

So far, the ministry reports that 44 contacts have been identified and are being monitored. Contact tracing is also underway.

Reacting, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said rapid case identification, timely contact follow-up, and effective infection prevention and control are critical to contain the spread of the virus.

"WHO and partners are working with health authorities to strengthen efforts to stop the virus from spreading. WHO urges all countries in the region to sustain a high level of readiness as the outbreak in the DRC continues to evolve.

"WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, affected countries, and continues to closely monitor and, where necessary, verify travel and trade measures in relation to this event. WHO regularly reviews the latest information to update its assessment of the risks posed by the outbreak," the organisation said.

ASA