Published on: 2026-10-21
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 21, 2026 Healthcare
An imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus has been confirmed in the metropolitan region of Nigeria. This was reported by the World Health Organization. Nigeria became the fifth country where the virus was detected. The Ebola fever outbreak was officially declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 15.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria, the infected person is a woman who recently visited Uganda. She developed symptoms on October 7, four days after her arrival in Nigeria, and on October 11 she sought help at a private medical facility in the capital, Abuja. Laboratory analysis confirmed infection with the Bundibugyo virus on October 20. The patient is in isolation and receiving medical care. Specialists are trying to establish the likely source of infection and reconstruct a complete picture of her movements and possible contacts.
Currently, 44 people who have been in contact with the infected individual have been identified – specialists are monitoring their condition. Efforts have been intensified to find other people who may have been at risk of infection. In the clinic where the patient sought help, preventive and infection control measures have been strengthened.
The Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention has mobilized an incident management system to coordinate response measures. To stop the spread of the virus, it is necessary to promptly identify new cases, timely track contacts, and ensure effective infection control.
Response measures with the support of the WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are assisting the country’s authorities with epidemiological investigations, contact tracing, infection prevention, and also providing supplies of necessary materials, including personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.
WHO urges all countries in the region to maintain a high level of preparedness as the situation with the outbreak in the DRC continues to evolve. In recent weeks, nine cases linked to a single imported case have been reported in Kenya.
The organization emphasized that countries should conduct reliable epidemiological surveillance, promptly investigate warning signals, strengthen infection control in both public and private healthcare facilities, and also ensure laboratories have the capacity to safely test suspected cases. In addition, WHO recommends pre-positioning stocks of necessary materials, actively engaging with the local population, and enhancing control at entry points, while keeping response plans ready.
WHO does not recommend imposing restrictions on travel to affected countries or trade with them. The organization continues to monitor the situation and, if necessary, verify information on measures that states are taking regarding travel and trade in connection with the outbreak. WHO’s risk assessment is regularly revised in light of new data.
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