The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and adhere strictly to verified public health guidelines following the Federal Government’s confirmation of an Ebola disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ali Pate, the case was laboratory-confirmed on October 20, 2026. The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, is currently receiving medical care in isolation.
The agency disclosed that contact tracing had commenced, with 44 close contacts identified as of the time of the announcement. Public health authorities are working to identify, monitor and manage individuals who may have been exposed to the virus to prevent further transmission.
In a public health advisory, the NOA stressed that accurate information, early reporting and responsible personal conduct are essential to containing the disease and protecting lives.
HOW EBOLA SPREADS
The agency explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms or has died from the disease. Transmission can also occur through contact with materials contaminated by infected body fluids.
It emphasised that people infected with Ebola cannot transmit the virus before symptoms appear.
The public was advised to watch out for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly where there is a history of possible exposure.
The NOA noted that promptly reporting suspected exposure or symptoms would enable health authorities to take timely action and reduce the risk of further spread.
NOA ISSUES SAFETY GUIDELINES TO NIGERIANS
To minimise the risk of infection, the agency urged Nigerians to observe regular hand hygiene, maintain good personal hygiene and avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
Members of the public who believe they may have been exposed were advised to contact public health authorities immediately, even if they feel well.
The agency further advised anyone who develops symptoms to seek guidance from public health authorities before visiting a hospital. Such individuals should avoid close contact with others and call for instructions on how to access appropriate medical care safely.
The NOA also called on Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, including officials making enquiries about relevant airline travel, and to provide accurate information when contacted by public health authorities.
Warning against misinformation, the agency urged the public to rely on verified updates from official health authorities and refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.
It also cautioned against stigmatising people who may have been exposed to the virus, patients and their families, stressing that dignity, compassion and public cooperation are vital to an effective health response.
HEALTH FACILITIES PLACED ON HIGH ALERT
The agency called on public and private healthcare facilities to maintain a high index of suspicion for possible Ebola cases and ensure the prompt identification and isolation of suspected patients.
Healthcare providers were also urged to enforce strict infection prevention and control measures and immediately report suspected cases to the appropriate public health authorities.
For information or to report a suspected case, Nigerians were advised to call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) toll-free helpline on 6232, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
NIGERIA HAS EXPERIENCE IN EBOLA CONTAINMENT
The NOA recalled that Nigeria successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014, noting that the country has previous experience in responding to the disease.
It added that the Federal Government, FCT authorities and relevant partners were working to contain the current case and prevent further transmission.
The agency called on Nigerians to remain calm, stay informed and act responsibly, emphasising that early detection, prompt reporting, adherence to public health advice and cooperation with health officials are critical to protecting lives.
The advisory was signed by Bala Musa, Director of Communication and Media, National Orientation Agency.
