The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the specialised Institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responsible for health issues, is closely monitoring the health situation in Nigeria following the confirmation, on 20 October 2026, of an imported case of Ebola virus disease in the federal capital, Abuja.
According to information provided by the Nigerian health authorities, the patient, a woman who had recently arrived from Uganda, first developed symptoms on 7 October 2026 and subsequently received care at a private health facility in Abuja on 11 October 2026. The diagnosis was confirmed through laboratory testing on 20 October 2026.
WAHO is closely monitoring developments in liaison with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the national health authorities and regional epidemiological surveillance mechanisms.
In line with its mandate to coordinate regional health emergency prevention, preparedness and response, WAHO remains fully mobilised to support Member States in strengthening epidemiological vigilance and preventing the risk of cross-border transmission. To this end, WAHO maintains regular contact with the NCDC and held a briefing on 21 October 2026 with the Directors of the National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) of ECOWAS Member States.
WAHO emphasises that early detection, prompt notification of suspected cases, epidemiological surveillance and coordination among health services are essential to preventing and controlling the spread of epidemic-prone diseases.
WAHO therefore encourages the public to remain vigilant and observe the following recommendations:
- Wash hands frequently with clean water and soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Avoid direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids (vomit, faeces, urine, saliva and sweat) of anyone who is ill or has died, as well as with their clothing, bedding and personal belongings.
- Do not handle the bodies of people who have died from suspected causes; ensure that safe and dignified burials are conducted by trained teams.
- Avoid handling or consuming bushmeat; do not handle animals found dead or sick, including bats and primates, and cook all meat thoroughly.
- If symptoms consistent with the disease develop, including sudden fever, severe fatigue, aches and pains, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding, immediately call or seek assistance from a health facility.
- Avoid non-essential travel to affected areas and, where travel is unavoidable, strictly follow official health guidance.
WAHO also urges the public to rely on information issued by official sources and to refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information.
WAHO reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the Ministries of Health of ECOWAS Member States and technical and financial partners to strengthen regional health security and protect the health of West African populations.
Through the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC), a specialised agency of WAHO based in Abuja, Nigeria, WAHO will continue to monitor developments closely and, in coordination with the relevant health authorities, communicate any pertinent information requiring particular public attention.
