Nigeria confirms imported Ebola case in Abuja
A woman with recent travel history to Uganda tested positive for Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease on October 20.
Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in Abuja on October 20, 2026. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare announced the case after laboratory testing identified the virus in a woman who had recently traveled from Uganda. She developed symptoms on October 7 and sought care at a private facility on October 11.
The patient has been isolated and is receiving medical care, while health officials investigate the infection's source and trace her movements. 44 contacts have been identified and are being monitored. This confirmation on the 12th anniversary of Nigeria being declared Ebola-free by the WHO raises questions about the nation's preparedness for a resurgence of the virus.
The 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria resulted in 20 cases and eight deaths before containment. The World Health Organisation declared Nigeria Ebola-free on October 20, 2014, after 42 days without new cases. Swiss authorities have denied claims that the current patient visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo before falling ill.
Why it mattersA new case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease has been confirmed in Abuja, Nigeria, affecting the health and safety of the population.