From Premium Times Nigeria · Oluwakemi Adelagun · · 3m
WHO pledges support as Nigeria records first imported Ebola case
WHO supports Nigeria after first imported Ebola case confirmed.
In brief
WHO supports Nigeria after first imported Ebola case confirmed. Nigeria confirmed its first imported Ebola case from a Ugandan traveler, with WHO pledging assistance for containment measures. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
WHO pledges support
The World Health Organisation pledged support to Nigeria's efforts to contain Ebola following the confirmation of the country's first imported case of the disease.
First imported case confirmed
Nigeria confirmed a woman who recently travelled from Uganda on an international flight tested positive for Ebola and is receiving treatment in isolation at a private hospital in the federal capital territory.
Coordinating minister details
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, stated the woman had no symptoms during her journey but became ill after arriving in Nigeria and officials identified 44 contacts undergoing quarantine.
WHO response measures
WHO said it would work with Nigerian health authorities to strengthen response measures including case investigation, contact tracing, and infection prevention and control, with essential supplies like personal protective equipment for health workers.
Regional outbreak context
Nigeria became the fifth country to detect Ebola in connection with an outbreak declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 15 May, linked to the Bundibugyo virus.
DRC outbreak status
WHO reported more than 8,700 confirmed cases and more than 4,200 deaths in the DRC as of 6 October, with transmission continuing across several health zones.
Nigeria's response
![National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of Mr Ribadu | https://x.com/NuhuRibadu/status/1706387205881581715?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/Nuhu-Ribadu-NSA.jpg?w=1883&ssl=1)
Nigerian health authorities began implementing measures to limit transmission, including strengthening infection prevention at the private hospital and activating the NCDC's incident management system.
Public health guidance
The government advised the public to contact the NCDC's toll-free line, 6232, for information or suspected cases, while emphasizing Nigeria's experience in containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
Previous outbreak
Nigeria's first Ebola outbreak began in 2014 after an infected traveller from Liberia arrived in Lagos, resulting in 19 laboratory-confirmed cases and one probable case with eight deaths.
WHO surveillance advice
WHO urged countries in the region to maintain disease surveillance systems, promptly investigate alerts, and ensure laboratories can safely test suspected cases.
Kenya's case
Kenya reported its first imported case on 6 October involving a citizen who had lived in the DRC and travelled to Kenya via Uganda, with a ninth case confirmed on 20 October.
Uganda's outbreak
Uganda recorded 20 cases between May and June 2026 and declared its outbreak over after completing the required 42-day period without a new confirmed case.
Next steps
Nigeria's government said investigations were continuing and that the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC would provide further updates on the case.
Ebola risk
Ebola is a severe infectious disease that can cause serious illness and death, requiring early detection, appropriate clinical care and effective public health measures to improve patient outcomes.
The bottom line
Nigeria confirmed its first imported Ebola case from a Ugandan traveler, with WHO pledging assistance for containment measures.
