The Federal Government has disclosed that genomic analysis of a confirmed Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) found genetic similarities between the virus and one identified in a case in Kenya, although further investigations are needed to determine whether the two cases are epidemiologically connected.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the findings on Saturday, describing them as important scientific information for ongoing investigations into the confirmed case.
According to Pate, the analysis was conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in collaboration with the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University, Ede, under the leadership of Prof. Christian Happi.
“The findings provide important scientific information, while further investigations are required to establish whether the two cases are epidemiologically linked,” the minister said.
Pate commended the two institutions for the speed and scientific rigour of their work. He, however, stressed that genetic similarities between viruses do not, on their own, establish that transmission occurred directly between the two cases.
The government said contact tracing and monitoring were continuing as health authorities worked to assess the potential risks associated with the confirmed case.
“Identified contacts of the confirmed case remain under active monitoring. Some have tested negative, while results for others are still pending,” Pate said.
He explained that the Federal Government was strengthening several aspects of the national response, including disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, public risk communication, and infection prevention and control.
Healthcare facilities have also been reminded to identify and report suspected cases promptly to the relevant public health authorities. According to the minister, additional training and sensitisation programmes for healthcare workers would support the effective implementation of response procedures.
The government’s response includes continued monitoring of identified contacts and efforts to improve the detection and management of suspected infections. However, the minister did not provide further details in the supplied statement about the number of contacts being monitored or the number of pending test results.
Pate also announced that the NCDC would begin issuing brief daily public updates from October 24, 2026, according to information provided by the agency’s director-general.
The planned updates are intended to keep Nigerians informed about developments in the response and provide access to verified information as investigations continue.
The minister urged Nigerians to remain calm, observe recommended safety precautions and follow official public health guidance. He also warned against spreading misinformation or unverified reports about the disease.
He advised members of the public to obtain updates from recognised health authorities, including 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).
Ebola Virus Disease is a serious illness that requires prompt detection, appropriate medical care and effective public health measures to limit its spread. Health authorities rely on laboratory testing, contact tracing and surveillance to investigate suspected infections and identify possible transmission pathways.
The genomic findings reported by the government provide information about the relationship between the viruses examined, but further epidemiological investigation is required before any connection between the Nigerian and Kenyan cases can be established.
