The World Health Organisation has urged countries across the region to maintain a high level of preparedness following Nigeria’s confirmation of its first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made the call on Wednesday in a post on his official X handle, following confirmation of the case by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Mr Tedros said contact tracing was ongoing, while WHO and its partners were working with the governments of Nigeria, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthen the regional outbreak response.
He urged countries in the region to sustain heightened vigilance to ensure early detection of suspected cases, prevent further transmission and protect healthcare workers and communities.
“WHO urges all countries in the region to sustain a high level of readiness,” Tedros said, stressing the importance of early detection, rapid response and effective infection prevention measures.
Nigeria confirms imported case
The Federal Government on Tuesday confirmed Nigeria’s first imported case of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory after a woman who had recently travelled from Uganda tested positive for the virus.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the patient developed symptoms on 7 October, four days after arriving in Nigeria, and sought treatment at a private health facility in Abuja on 11 October.
Laboratory testing confirmed the Bundibugyo virus infection on 20 October. The patient has since been placed in isolation and is receiving medical care.
Health authorities have identified 44 contacts who are being monitored. The contacts include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people who may have travelled with or otherwise been exposed to the patient.
WHO, Partners support Nigeria
WHO said it was working with Nigerian health authorities on case investigation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, as well as the provision of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has also activated its incident management system to coordinate the national response.
The Federal Government has directed public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain on high alert, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures and immediately report suspected infections to public health authorities.
Regional outbreak
Nigeria is the fifth country to detect the Bundibugyo virus since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 15 May 2026.
The outbreak has also affected Kenya, where nine cases linked to an imported infection have been reported. WHO has described the need for sustained surveillance, rapid investigation of alerts, laboratory readiness and strong cross-border cooperation as the outbreak continues to evolve.
WHO is urging countries in the region to remain prepared while actively engaging communities and strengthening infection prevention measures to limit further spread.
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