Nigeria confirms imported Ebola Bundibugyo case in Abuja

Nigeria has confirmed one imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, becoming the fifth country to detect the virus since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 15 May 2024.

The patient is a woman with a recent travel history to Uganda. Her symptoms began on 7 October, four days after her arrival in Nigeria, and she sought care at a private health facility in Abuja on 11 October. Laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus on 20 October. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reports that 44 contacts have been identified and are being monitored. Infection prevention and control measures are being ramped up at the private facility where she was treated.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated its incident management system to coordinate the response. The World Health Organization and partners are working with Nigerian health authorities on case investigation, contact tracing and provision of personal protective equipment for health workers.

WHO noted that Kenya has reported nine cases linked to an imported case in recent weeks. The organisation urged all countries in the region to sustain high readiness, strengthen surveillance, ensure laboratory testing capacity and heighten monitoring at points of entry. WHO advised against any restriction of travel to or trade with affected countries.