Ebola Case: NOA Issues Public Advisory Following FG Confirmation

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) urges Nigerians to remain calm, stay vigilant and follow verified public health advice.

Following the Federal Government’s confirmation of one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, after laboratory confirmation on 20 October 2026. The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, is receiving medical care in isolation.
Contact tracing has commenced, with 44 close contacts identified at the time of the announcement. Public health authorities are working to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed and to prevent further spread.

NOA in a statement signed by Director Communication and Media Bala Musa says Ebola prevention starts with accurate information, prompt reporting and responsible personal action.

WHAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW

Ebola spreads through direct contact: The virus spreads through contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola or has died from the disease, or through contaminated materials.
Transmission does not occur before symptoms begin: A person infected with Ebola cannot spread the disease before symptoms appear.
Recognise the symptoms: These include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
Early reporting matters: Prompt reporting of possible exposure and symptoms helps public health authorities take appropriate action to prevent further spread.

WHAT EVERY NIGERIAN SHOULD DO

Practise regular hand hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and maintain good personal hygiene.
Avoid contact with blood and body fluids. Do not touch the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola or materials contaminated by such fluids.
Report possible exposure immediately. If you believe you may have been exposed, contact public health authorities promptly, even if you feel well.
Seek guidance before visiting a hospital if symptoms develop. Avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for instructions before going to a healthcare facility. This helps protect other patients, healthcare workers and the wider community.
Cooperate with contact-tracing teams. If public health officials contact you, including in connection with relevant airline travel, provide the necessary information and follow their instructions.
Reject rumours and misinformation. Share only verified information from official health authorities. Avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that may cause unnecessary fear or stigma.
Do not stigmatise anyone. Treat people who may have been exposed, patients and their families with dignity and respect. Public cooperation, not discrimination, supports an effective health response.

HEALTHCARE FACILITIES ARE TO MAINTAIN HIGH ALERT

All public and private healthcare facilities are urged to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases to public health authorities.
FOR INFORMATION OR TO REPORT A SUSPECTED CASE
Call the NCDC toll-free helpline: 6232.
The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014 and has experience in responding to the disease. The Federal Government, FCT authorities and relevant partners are working to contain the current case and prevent further spread.

The NOA calls on all Nigerians to remain calm, stay informed and act responsibly. Early detection, prompt reporting and public cooperation are essential to protecting lives and preventing further transmission.