The Federal Government has disclosed that genomic analysis of Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, shows that the virus is genetically related to a virus identified in a case in Kenya, while stressing that further investigations are needed to determine whether the two cases are epidemiologically linked.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations.
According to the minister, the genomic findings provide important scientific information for understanding the virus but do not, on their own, establish that the Nigerian case was directly linked to the case recorded in Kenya.
Pate explained that genetic similarities between viruses do not necessarily mean that one infected person transmitted the virus to another or that the cases originated from the same immediate source.
He said further epidemiological investigations would be required to establish whether there was a direct connection between the two cases.
The genomic analysis was jointly 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, under the leadership of Professor Christian Happi.
The minister commended both institutions for the speed and scientific rigour with which the analysis was conducted, describing the findings as an important contribution to the ongoing public health response.
He reiterated that the genetic relationship identified through the analysis must not be interpreted as conclusive evidence of direct transmission between the cases.
Pate also disclosed that individuals identified as contacts of Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola case remain under active monitoring by public health authorities.
He said some of the contacts had tested negative for the virus, while results for others were still pending.
The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, case management, risk communication and infection prevention and control measures as part of efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
According to him, healthcare facilities across the country have been reminded of the need to promptly identify and report suspected Ebola cases to the appropriate public health authorities.
He added that additional training and sensitisation for healthcare workers would support the effective implementation of response protocols and improve the country’s preparedness to detect and manage suspected cases.
The government said these measures were intended to strengthen early detection, improve the management of suspected and confirmed cases, and reduce the risk of further spread of the disease.
In a related development, the Director-General of the NCDC announced that the agency would begin issuing short daily public updates on the Ebola situation from October 24, 2026, in line with its public health guidelines.
The planned updates are expected to provide the public with regular information on developments surrounding the outbreak and the ongoing response by health authorities.
Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, observe recommended safety precautions and comply with official public health guidance.
He also warned against spreading misinformation and unverified reports about the outbreak, urging members of the public to rely on information from recognised health authorities.
The minister specifically advised Nigerians to obtain updates from the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to containing the outbreak, protecting healthcare workers and preventing further transmission, while calling for continued cooperation from members of the public, healthcare professionals and other relevant stakeholders.
The government maintained that continued surveillance, scientific investigation, timely reporting and public cooperation remain essential to the effective management of the public health threat.