By Blessing Bature
The Federal Government has said genomic analysis of Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) shows that the virus is genetically related to one identified in Kenya, while stressing that further investigations are needed to determine whether the cases are epidemiologically linked.
Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations in a statement, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the findings provide important scientific information but do not, on their own, establish a direct transmission link between the two cases.
The analysis was conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, led by Prof. Christian Happi.
Pate commended both institutions for the speed and scientific rigour of their work.
He said contacts identified in connection with the confirmed case remained under active monitoring, adding that some had tested negative while results for others were still pending.
According to the minister, the Federal Government is strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk communication and infection prevention and control measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
He said healthcare facilities had been reminded to promptly identify and report suspected cases to public health authorities, while additional training and sensitisation would help healthcare workers implement response protocols effectively.
In a related development, the NCDC Director-General announced that the agency would begin issuing brief daily public updates from October 24, 2026, to provide regular information on developments as the situation evolves.
Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, observe recommended safety precautions and follow official public health guidance.
He also cautioned against spreading misinformation and unverified reports, advising the public to rely on updates from recognised health authorities, including the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to containing the outbreak, protecting healthcare workers and preventing further transmission, while calling for public cooperation and support from relevant stakeholders.
