The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported two suspected Ebola cases in its ongoing investigation into the outbreak, while confirming that a suspected case in Rivers State tested negative for the virus.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed the development on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during a press briefing in Abuja. He said the agency was intensifying surveillance, laboratory testing and contact-tracing activities to prevent further transmission of the disease.
According to the NCDC’s latest situation report, Nigeria has one confirmed case of Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The patient, a 42-year-old woman who travelled from Uganda through Addis Ababa before arriving in Abuja on October 3, developed symptoms on October 7 and subsequently received treatment at private health facilities in the Federal Capital Territory.
The infection was confirmed by the NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory on October 20 after the agency was notified of the suspected case and conducted further investigations.
The agency said a suspected case was reported in Rivers State on October 23, but laboratory results returned negative for Ebola. The result was subsequently communicated to the state authorities. The NCDC has continued investigating possible exposures connected to the confirmed case, with officials emphasising that suspected cases must undergo laboratory testing before their status can be established.
Idris also disclosed that health authorities had identified 53 primary contacts linked to the confirmed patient. The contacts include healthcare workers and people who may have had direct contact with the patient or been exposed during her treatment. They are being monitored for 21 days after their last possible exposure, in line with public health procedures for Ebola.
The NCDC said it had activated the national incident management system to coordinate the response, working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, FCT health authorities and other relevant partners. Measures include contact tracing, isolation arrangements, laboratory testing and stronger infection-prevention procedures in healthcare facilities.
The agency has urged hospitals and other healthcare providers to strengthen screening and triage, ensure workers have appropriate protective equipment and promptly report patients whose symptoms raise suspicion of Ebola infection. Members of the public who are contacted by health officials have also been asked to cooperate with investigations and provide accurate information about their movements and possible exposure.
Ebola is a serious infectious disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, as well as contaminated materials. Health authorities advise people to seek medical attention if they develop concerning symptoms after a possible exposure and to follow official public health guidance.
The NCDC said it would continue providing updates as laboratory results and investigations become available. For now, the agency’s reported figures remain at one confirmed infection, with the Rivers State suspected case ruled out following a negative test.
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