ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian health authorities have identified nine additional people who may have been exposed to Ebola, bringing the number of contacts being monitored after a confirmed infection in Abuja to 53.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced the expanded contact tracing on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as officials continued investigating the movements of a woman who tested positive for the virus.
The agency said none of the identified contacts had developed symptoms or tested positive for Ebola.
Nigeria has recorded one confirmed infection, involving a 42-year-old woman who travelled to Abuja from Uganda through Addis Ababa.
The patient remains in medical isolation, and health officials said her condition had improved.
Nine Additional Contacts Identified
Jide Idris, director-general of the NCDC, said 44 of the people being monitored were associated with the private hospital where the infected woman received treatment.
The additional nine were identified during investigations into her household contacts, earlier medical consultations, and the collection of samples for laboratory testing.
Three are members of her household, including her husband, driver, and chef.
Another three are healthcare workers who attended to her at Julius Berger Clinic before she was admitted to the hospital where her infection was subsequently confirmed.
The remaining three participated in collecting specimens from the patient.
“As of now, we have 53 primary contacts. These comprise 44 people from the health facility where the patient was treated and nine additional contacts,” Idris said.
The authorities are assessing whether any of the identified individuals subsequently interacted with others who might require medical monitoring.
The NCDC said contacts would be followed for 21 days after their last possible exposure.
Although some reports described the nine newly identified contacts as having been isolated, the agency’s official statement characterised the broader group as people under surveillance.
It did not establish that all 53 were being held in isolation.
Investigation Traces Patient’s Movements
According to the NCDC’s official situation report, the infected woman arrived in Nigeria on October 3 and began experiencing symptoms four days later.
She initially sought treatment at a private medical facility before being admitted to another hospital.
Her symptoms included fever, diarrhoea, a sore throat, and widespread body aches. Officials said she had not reported bleeding.
The NCDC received notification of her illness on October 19, and laboratory testing confirmed Ebola the following day.
The infection was identified as the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus.
Health authorities also investigated a suspected infection in Rivers State, but laboratory tests ruled out Ebola in that patient.
No deaths from the confirmed infection have been reported.
Government Expands Surveillance and Hospital Preparedness
In a separate public statement, the NCDC said a coordinated national response had been activated, involving federal health authorities, the Federal Capital Territory administration, and technical partners.
The response includes additional laboratory testing, screening at healthcare facilities, protective measures for medical personnel, and continued tracing of possible exposures.
Idris said officials were also assessing hospital infection-control procedures and identifying shortcomings requiring corrective action.
The agency acknowledged that health workers at state and local levels needed additional training and technical support to strengthen outbreak preparedness.
Officials urged people contacted by surveillance teams to cooperate with investigators and provide accurate information about their movements and any symptoms.
“An identified contact does not mean that you have Ebola,” the NCDC said.
The agency advised Nigerians to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola, and report possible exposure promptly.
It said further updates would be issued as investigations continued.
