Is Nigeria ready? – Daily Trust

The affirmation of an Ebola case within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has renewed issues about Nigeria’s preparedness for a illness that after threatened to overwhelm components of the nation’s well being system.

In a press release on Tuesday, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, confirmed {that a} girl who just lately arrived in Nigeria on a world flight from Uganda had examined constructive for Ebola after receiving therapy at a personal hospital in Abuja.

According to the minister, the lady is at present in isolation and receiving medical care.

Authorities have recognized 44 shut contacts and commenced contact tracing to ascertain whether or not the affected person could have uncovered different folks to the virus earlier than her analysis.

Healthcare staff, sufferers, caregivers and individuals who could have shared journey hyperlinks with the affected person are amongst these being investigated as well being officers work to include the an infection.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and different related businesses are coordinating the response.

He mentioned, “The Federal Government of Nigeria confirms one case of Ebola illness within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory affirmation as we speak, 20 October 2026. The affected person, a lady who just lately arrived in Nigeria on a world flight from Uganda, was admitted to a personal hospital within the FCT, the place she acquired take care of a number of days earlier than the analysis was confirmed. She is at present in isolation and receiving medical care.

“The FG calls on all private and non-private healthcare services nationwide to be on excessive alert. Healthcare staff should keep a excessive index of suspicion, promptly determine and isolate suspected instances, observe strict an infection prevention and management measures, and instantly report suspected instances to public well being authorities.

“Investigations are ongoing, and we are going to proceed to supply correct and well timed data.

We urge Nigerians to stay calm, keep vigilant and cooperate with public well being authorities. Early detection, immediate reporting and everybody’s cooperation are vital to stopping additional unfold. The Government of Nigeria, by way of the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and NCDC, will proceed to supply updates. For data or to report a suspected case, please name NCDC toll-free quantity 6232.”

The growth comes in opposition to the background of a rising Ebola outbreak within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with associated infections reported in Kenya and public well being measures activated in Uganda.

Nigeria’s expertise with Ebola

Nigeria’s expertise with Ebola in 2014 demonstrated how rapidly an imported an infection may develop into a nationwide public well being emergency in a rustic with a big inhabitants and busy worldwide journey routes.

On July 20, 2014, Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian-American diplomat who was contaminated with Ebola, arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from Liberia.

He was subsequently admitted to a personal hospital, the place his sickness was initially troublesome to differentiate from different ailments. He died on July 25, 2014.

His arrival triggered an emergency response involving the Federal Ministry of Health, the Lagos State Government, the NCDC and worldwide well being companions.

According to a report revealed within the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Nigeria recorded 20 Ebola instances, comprising 19 laboratory-confirmed instances and one possible case, by September 24, 2014.

Eight fatalities from seven laboratory-confirmed Ebola and one possible case have been recorded.

The deaths included Sawyer and Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, who positioned the foreigner in quarantine, in addition to six others who have been contaminated in the course of the chain of transmission that adopted his arrival.

The outbreak was ultimately contained, with no new instances reported after August 31, 2014. The nation recognized and monitored 894 contacts in the course of the response, whereas 11 sufferers with laboratory-confirmed Ebola have been discharged from care.

How ready is the nation for Ebola?

Nigeria’s newest preparedness efforts started earlier than the reported FCT case. On June 9, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu authorized the fast launch of N10 billion as emergency intervention funding for public well being preparedness and response.

The fund is separate from a N21.2 million per-state disbursement below the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund.

The Presidency additionally introduced the institution of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

According to the State House, the fund was meant to strengthen the operational capability of the NCDC and help vital nationwide public well being emergency response actions.

The authorities additionally directed states internet hosting worldwide airports and worldwide border corridors, alongside related ministries, departments and businesses, to submit their preparedness plans, funding necessities and intervention wants.

The measures introduced included intensified passenger screening at worldwide airports, enhanced monitoring of passengers arriving by way of designated high-risk routes, and the activation of referral and isolation centres on the Lagos and Abuja worldwide airports.

Other proposed measures included well being declaration programs for passengers arriving from or transiting by way of designated high-risk nations and improved coordination amongst well being, immigration, aviation and safety authorities.

The funding determination adopted warnings about the potential of Ebola being imported into Nigeria as outbreaks emerged in Central Africa.

In a May 28, 2026, advisory, the NCDC assessed Nigeria’s threat of importation as excessive, citing regional transmission, worldwide journey, inhabitants motion, porous land borders and the problem of distinguishing early Ebola signs from widespread sicknesses comparable to malaria and Lassa fever.

The company mentioned preparedness wanted to cowl each state and the FCT, with emphasis on early detection, isolation, laboratory analysis, an infection prevention and management, contact tracing and the safety of healthcare staff.

Daily Trust reported in September that three months later, there was no public breakdown of how the N10 billion was spent, as checks at airports and isolation services revealed the presence of the preparedness hole the cash was meant to shut.

Several travellers, who spoke to this paper then, mentioned they have been required to supply identification and well being data by way of an app earlier than returning to Nigeria, however to their amazement, no checks have been carried out on the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on their arrival.

“They didn’t ask me for anything. They didn’t check my provisional sign or QR code, and they didn’t check my temperature. They didn’t do any of that. For me, it was almost a waste of time filling out the form,” one in all them, Habeebat Ajayi, had instructed our correspondent.

In a chat with Daily Trust, a medical physician, Godwin Ekuwke, puzzled if designated isolation services are totally useful, laboratories can check suspected instances promptly, frontline staff have applicable protecting gear, and response groups can find and monitor contacts immediately.

He mentioned: “The launch of funding is a crucial step, however its impression will depend on well timed deployment, clear expenditure, educated personnel, enough provides and coordination between federal and state authorities.

“The effectiveness of the response should ultimately be judged by the speed of diagnosis, the quality of care provided, the completeness of contact tracing and the prevention of further transmission.”

The well being minister, nevertheless, assured that Nigeria has the expertise and public well being programs to answer the present case, having efficiently contained Ebola in 2014.

“However, containing Ebola requires everyone to play their part. The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public,” he added.

A regional outbreak

Nigeria’s newest growth comes amid a critical Ebola outbreak within the DRC, which has unfold throughout a number of provinces and prompted public well being authorities in neighbouring nations to strengthen surveillance.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), in an October 8, 2026, replace, reported that the DRC had recorded 8,728 confirmed instances of Bundibugyo virus illness and 4,205 confirmed deaths as of October 6.

The figures represented a case fatality ratio of 48.2 per cent amongst confirmed instances.

The outbreak had affected 64 well being zones throughout seven provinces, with transmission persevering with in a number of areas.

The WHO additionally reported an imported case in Kenya involving a affected person who travelled from the DRC by way of Uganda. The affected person was hospitalised in Kenya and died on October 5.

Kenya subsequently reported extra instances linked to the preliminary affected person, prompting contact tracing, quarantine and enhanced surveillance.

On Tuesday, experiences from Kenyan authorities indicated that the nation’s confirmed instances had risen to 9, with officers saying the instances have been linked to the identical cluster and that there was no proof of wider neighborhood transmission at that time.

Uganda has additionally activated public well being measures, together with contact tracing, in response to the regional menace and the motion of the contaminated traveller by way of its territory.

The NCDC had warned that the early signs of Ebola may very well be mistaken for malaria, Lassa fever and different widespread sicknesses, probably delaying analysis.

That threat is especially important in areas the place sufferers could first search therapy at services that don’t instantly suspect a high-consequence infectious illness.

Not all Ebola outbreaks are the identical

An essential distinction within the present outbreak is the virus chargeable for the illness. The ongoing outbreak within the DRC has been attributed to the Bundibugyo virus, which causes Bundibugyo virus illness.

The WHO recognises a number of Ebola-related viruses, together with Sudan virus and Bundibugyo virus. They could cause extreme sickness, however the availability of vaccines and particular remedies differs by virus.

According to the NCDC’s May 28 advisory, there have been no authorized vaccines or particular remedies obtainable for Bundibugyo virus illness on the time of the discover.

Vaccines and coverings developed for the Zaire ebolavirus mustn’t routinely be assumed to guard in opposition to the Bundibugyo pressure, well being authorities cautioned.

Experts say for the present regional outbreak, early detection, isolation, an infection prevention and management, contact tracing, secure burial practices and supportive medical care stay central to efforts to scale back deaths and interrupt transmission.

Symptoms, unfold and what to keep away from

Ebola is a extreme viral illness that may trigger excessive ranges of mortality. The WHO says the typical case fatality price throughout Ebola illness outbreaks is roughly 50 per cent, though the speed varies considerably based on the virus, outbreak circumstances and entry to care.

The virus is just not airborne within the method of infections that unfold by way of peculiar inhaling shared indoor areas.

According to the WHO, transmission between folks happens primarily by way of direct contact with the blood or different physique fluids of an contaminated one who has developed signs, or somebody who has died from the illness.

Infection can happen when contaminated fluids enter the physique by way of damaged pores and skin or the eyes, nostril or mouth.

Objects contaminated with infectious physique fluids, together with clothes, bedding and medical gear, can even unfold the virus.

People can also develop into contaminated by way of contact with contaminated animals, notably when dealing with sick or useless wildlife or consuming inadequately dealt with merchandise from contaminated animals.

Traditional burial practices involving direct contact with the physique of somebody who died from Ebola can contribute to transmission if applicable precautions aren’t taken.

Healthcare staff and relations caring for sufferers with out appropriate protecting measures can face a heightened threat.

The WHO says folks contaminated with Ebola don’t transmit the illness earlier than signs develop. Once signs start, they will stay infectious whereas the virus is current of their blood.

The incubation interval — the time between an infection and the looks of signs — ranges from two to 21 days.

The well being minister defined that Ebola spreads by way of direct contact with the blood or physique fluids of somebody who’s sick with the illness or has died from it, or by way of contact with contaminated supplies. Prof Pate famous that an individual with Ebola can not unfold the illness earlier than signs start.

He urged the general public to stay calm however vigilant; practise common hand hygiene and keep away from contact with the physique fluids of anybody suspected to have Ebola and look ahead to signs, together with fever, extreme weak spot, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, notably following doable publicity.

“Report any possible exposure immediately, even if you feel well. If you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility. Cooperate with public health teams. Anyone contacted during contact tracing, including relevant airline passengers, should provide the necessary information and follow public health advice. Avoid rumours and stigma. Share only verified information from official health authorities,” the minister added.

Similarly, the Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has known as for the fast activation of nationwide high-alert measures.

The academy additionally urged Nigerians to stay calm however vigilant, advising the general public to keep away from handshakes, hugging and different pointless bodily contact as precautionary measures in opposition to the illness.

In a public well being advisory signed by Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie, President of the academy; Professor Oladapo A. Ashiru, Foundation President; and Professor Boaz Adegboro of its Rapid Response Committee, the academy mentioned it had “noted with concern” the affirmation of the case, whereas commending the Federal Government and well being authorities for his or her response.

“The Academy fully endorses the statement by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, and commends the swift response of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and all partners,” the assertion mentioned.

It added that the immediate graduation of contact tracing, isolation of the affected person and intensified surveillance have been essential steps in containing the illness.

The academy known as for the nationwide implementation of high-alert protocols, drawing on Nigeria’s expertise in containing Ebola in 2014 and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These should include enhanced screening at airports, seaports and land borders, particularly for travellers from affected countries,” it mentioned.

The academy additionally advisable the activation of isolation and therapy centres throughout states, alongside strict an infection prevention and management measures in private and non-private well being services.

It urged well being authorities to make sure that healthcare staff had enough private protecting gear and that suspected instances have been promptly remoted and reported.

On how the illness spreads, the academy mentioned the general public wanted to know that Ebola was not airborne.

“Ebola is not an airborne disease. It spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola or has died from it, or through contact with materials contaminated by those fluids,” the assertion mentioned.

It added that “a person with Ebola cannot spread the disease before symptoms begin.”

As a part of precautionary measures, the academy suggested Nigerians to keep away from pointless bodily contact and undertake various types of greeting.

“As a simple and effective precaution, the Academy advises all Nigerians to avoid handshakes and other unnecessary physical contact, including hugging, during this period. We encourage the use of non-contact greetings,” it mentioned.

The academy additionally urged Nigerians to take care of correct hand hygiene by washing their arms repeatedly with cleaning soap and water or utilizing alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

It suggested members of the general public to keep away from contact with the physique fluids of anybody who was ailing and to not deal with the our bodies of individuals suspected to have died from Ebola.

On signs, the assertion listed fever, extreme weak spot, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, urging anybody who developed signs after doable publicity to hunt steering from public well being authorities.

“If you have been exposed or develop symptoms, call public health authorities before visiting a health facility,” the academy suggested.

It additional urged Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing groups and keep away from spreading rumours or stigmatising folks suspected of getting the illness.

The academy suggested the general public to depend on data from official well being authorities and offered the NCDC toll-free quantity, 6232, for data and reporting suspected instances.

The academy mentioned it remained able to help the Federal Government and different stakeholders with knowledgeable recommendation because the response continued.

FAAN heightens airport surveillance

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it has strengthened surveillance throughout airports in Nigeria following a confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The authority mentioned it was working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Port Health Services, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and different related businesses to help ongoing containment efforts.

In a press release issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, FAAN mentioned the early identification of the case and graduation of contact tracing highlighted the significance of efficient surveillance and collaboration amongst related businesses in responding to public well being threats.

The authority mentioned it was sustaining heightened vigilance throughout airport operations and would proceed to coordinate with public well being authorities to implement extra measures thought-about mandatory to guard passengers, airport personnel and most people.

FAAN added that its response could be guided by additional directives from related well being authorities.

It urged passengers, airport customers, airways and different stakeholders to stay calm, vigilant and cooperative with well being officers.

The authority additionally suggested the general public to depend on verified data and keep away from spreading unconfirmed experiences concerning the outbreak.

FAAN reassured the travelling public of its readiness to work with related businesses to safeguard public well being and make sure the secure operation of airports throughout the nation.