WHO warns against travel curbs as Nigeria confirms Ebola case

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised against any restriction of travel to, or trade with affected countries, as Nigeria confirms first imported Ebola case.

The WHO says it will continue to closely monitor, and where necessary, verify travel and trade measures in relation to the event in Nigeria.

The WHO gave the warning in a statement on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, as Nigerian Government confirmed one imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The health agency stated that risk assessment was being regularly reassessed to incorporate the latest developments related to this event.

Nigeria becomes the fifth country to detect the virus since an outbreak of the disease was declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 15, 2026.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the patient is a woman with a recent travel history to Uganda.

Her symptoms started on October 7, four days after her arrival in Nigeria, and she sought care at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11.

Laboratory test confirmed Bundibugyo virus on October 20.

She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care while investigations are ongoing to establish the likely source of her infection and reconstruct her full travel and exposure history.

The WHO said that so far, the ministry had reported that 44 contacts had been identified and were being monitored as efforts were intensified to find other people who might have been exposed.

It stated that infection prevention and control measures were being ramped up in the private health facility where the patient sought care.

It further noted that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention had activated its incident management system to coordinate response.

FAAN tightens surveillance across airports after Ebola case in FCT

Rapid identification of cases, timely follow-up of contacts and effective infection prevention and control are critical to contain the spread of the virus.

In support, WHO and partners are working closely with health authorities to strengthen control measures, including case investigation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and provision of essential supplies, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health workers.

The WHO, however, urged all countries in the region to sustain high level of readiness as the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to evolve.

Kenya has reported nine cases linked to an imported case in recent weeks.

The agency also urged reinforced infection prevention and control in both public and private health facilities, and pre-position essential supplies, while actively engaging with communities.

The world body also stressed the need for heightened monitoring at points of entry, with response plans in place, noting that sustained readiness is essential to detect cases early, prevent onward transmission and protect health workers and communities.