The patient was diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus disease after arriving in Nigeria from Uganda. Health officials confirmed the infection on October 20, 2026, following laboratory investigations.
The Director of Public Health Laboratory Services at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Olajumoke Babatunde, disclosed the development during an emergency incident management meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Babatunde, three rounds of molecular testing were conducted to identify the strain responsible for the infection. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also confirmed the identification of the Bundibugyo strain.
The patient, whose nationality has not been publicly disclosed, reportedly developed symptoms on October 7 and sought medical attention at a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory on October 11. She is currently receiving medical care in isolation.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was working with the NCDC, the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to prevent further transmission.
Authorities have so far identified 44 close contacts of the infected diplomat. Those being monitored include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals who may have been exposed during her travels.
The Federal Government and state governments have consequently stepped up disease surveillance, contact tracing and emergency preparedness measures to reduce the risk of a wider outbreak.
The development has raised concerns about Nigeria’s readiness to respond to the disease, particularly because the Bundibugyo strain currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Health authorities are continuing investigations to establish the source of the infection, trace potential exposures and prevent further spread of the virus.
