The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified two suspected cases of Ebola disease in Nigeria’s North-East region.
The agency disclosed this in an update posted on its X handle on Saturday, stating that both individuals had been isolated while contact identification and listing were ongoing.
It added that laboratory tests were being conducted to establish whether the individuals had contracted the disease.
“Two suspected cases of Ebola disease have been identified in Nigeria’s North-East region. Both individuals have been isolated, contact identification and listing is ongoing, and laboratory testing is being conducted.
“Being classified as suspected cases does not mean they are confirmed Ebola cases; confirmation is subject to laboratory results,” the statement read.
The NCDC urged Nigerians not to mistake the identification of suspected cases for confirmed infections, stressing that the outcome of laboratory tests would determine their status.
The agency also advised the public to maintain proper hand hygiene, practise enhanced sanitation and follow guidance issued by public health authorities.
The development comes days after the Federal Government confirmed Nigeria’s first imported case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on 20 October 2026.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, said the infected woman had travelled to Nigeria from Uganda. According to him, she developed symptoms on 7 October and sought medical attention at a private hospital in Abuja on 11 October.
Following confirmation of the case, health authorities initially identified 44 contacts, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals who might have travelled with the patient. The figure subsequently increased to 53, with all identified contacts placed under surveillance.
The patient was later evacuated to Switzerland on 26 October alongside her husband, who had remained asymptomatic. Pate said she was clinically stable at the time of the evacuation but cautioned that she could still transmit the virus.
The World Health Organisation said Nigeria would have to complete a 42-day monitoring period before it could be declared free of Ebola. The period comprises 21 days of monitoring for identified contacts and a further 21 days in line with established protocols.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government announced a weekly payment of N100,000 to each contact of the confirmed case to encourage compliance with quarantine directives and reduce the risk of possible community transmission.
