NOA URGES CALM AS NIGERIA CONFIRMS EBOLA CASE IN ABUJA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to remain calm and adhere strictly to public health guidelines following the confirmation of an Ebola disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The agency, in a public health advisory, said the Federal Government confirmed the case through a statement issued by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ali Pate, following laboratory confirmation on October 20, 2026.
According to the advisory, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda and is currently receiving medical care in isolation.
The NOA disclosed that contact tracing had commenced, with 44 close contacts identified at the time of the announcement, as health authorities intensified efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
The agency explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or someone who has died from the disease, as well as contaminated materials.
It listed symptoms of the disease to include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly in individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
The NOA stressed the importance of early reporting, urging anyone who suspects exposure to contact public health authorities promptly, even if they have not developed symptoms.
It also advised Nigerians to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of suspected cases, cooperate with contact-tracing teams and refrain from spreading unverified information.
The agency further urged anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
Healthcare facilities, both public and private, were also advised to remain vigilant, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, maintain strict infection prevention and control measures, and report suspected cases immediately to the relevant authorities.
The NOA urged Nigerians to report suspected cases or seek information through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s toll-free helpline on 6232, which is available 24 hours a day.
Reassuring the public, the agency noted that Nigeria successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 and has experience in responding to the disease.
It added that the Federal Government, FCT authorities and relevant partners were working to contain the current case and prevent further transmission.
The advisory, signed by the NOA’s Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, called on Nigerians to remain informed, avoid stigmatisation and cooperate with public health officials, stressing that early detection and prompt reporting are critical to protecting lives.
