Nigeria Traces Ebola Case To Kenya Strain, Elevates Response
Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, issued an official update on 23 October 2026 regarding the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory.
This was contained in a statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations. The statement confirmed that genomic analysis indicates the virus identified in Nigeria is genetically related to a case identified in Kenya.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, noted that while these findings provide important scientific information, further investigations remain necessary to determine whether the two cases are epidemiologically linked.
The genomic analysis was conducted jointly by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Institute of Genomics and Global Health at Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State, led by Professor Christian Happi. Professor Pate commended both institutions for their speed and scientific rigor, while reiterating that “genetic relatedness between viruses does not, in itself, establish a direct transmission link between cases”.
Addressing ongoing contact tracing efforts, Professor Pate confirmed that identified contacts of the confirmed case remain under active monitoring. Laboratory tests show that some contacts have tested negative, while results for others remain pending. To support containment, the Federal Government is strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk communication, and infection prevention protocols. Healthcare facilities have been instructed to promptly identify and report suspected cases to public health authorities, supported by additional training and sensitization for healthcare workers.
In a related development, the Director General of the NCDC stated that the agency will begin issuing short daily updates to the public starting 24 October 2026.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare advised citizens to adhere strictly to safety precautions, follow official guidance, and avoid spreading unverified reports or misinformation. Members of the public are urged to obtain information exclusively through recognized health authorities, including the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
To support public safety and rapid reporting, members of the public seeking verified information or wishing to report suspected cases are advised to contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention through its 24-hour toll-free call centre at 6232.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to containing the outbreak, protecting healthcare workers, and preventing further transmission while calling for continued cooperation from the public and all relevant stakeholders.