Genomic evaluation of Nigeria’s imported Ebola virus illness (EVD) case has proven that the virus seems intently associated to the one recognized in Kenya’s index case, the Federal Government has mentioned.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this at a information convention in Abuja on Friday night time, whereas offering an replace on the nation’s response to the confirmed case.
The evaluation was carried out with assist from public well being laboratories of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and Prof. Christian Happi’s laboratory at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
Genomic evaluation but to set up Ebola transmission route
Pate mentioned the evaluation confirmed a relationship between the viruses however didn’t set up how the an infection reached Nigeria.
“That case appears to be closely related to the case identified in the index case in Kenya. That is all that we can say at this stage based on the genomic analysis,” he mentioned.
- “There is no evidence of travel of that index case in Kenya that links it to Nigeria, but the viruses are appearing to be related,” he mentioned.
The minister mentioned the discovering might affect the understanding of the virus’s transmission route, though additional proof was required.
- “That may or may not change our understanding of the route of transmission, given that the virus itself takes time to change,” he mentioned.
Pate mentioned Nigeria nonetheless had just one confirmed case, whereas authorities continued contact tracing, quarantine and testing of recognized contacts.
- “The contacts have been traced, quarantined, and we are conducting additional tests, some of which are negative and others are pending,” he mentioned.
FG intensifies Ebola response measures
Pate mentioned the federal government had activated the varied pillars of its response by the Incident Management System coordinated by the NCDC and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
He mentioned efforts had been being intensified to strengthen laboratory capability, case administration, public communication and an infection prevention and management in well being services.
The minister added that well being staff would obtain coaching to defend themselves whereas triaging sufferers and managing suspected instances.
- “All hospitals should be sensitised and health workers be aware, and when there are suspected cases, to notify public health authorities,” he mentioned.
Pate urges Nigerians to stay vigilant
Pate mentioned public well being authorities would proceed to increase consciousness about preventive measures, together with handwashing and primary hygiene.
He defined that Ebola was not transmitted by the air however by direct contact with contaminated physique fluids.
The minister urged Nigerians to acquire data from credible public well being sources, together with the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
He cautioned in opposition to panic fuelled by unverified data on social media, assuring Nigerians that the nation had certified public well being professionals and laboratory capability to reply to the scenario.
Pate mentioned the federal government would proceed offering updates because the circumstances modified, whereas working to forestall the virus from spreading into communities.
Developments surrounding Nigeria’s Ebola case
The genomic findings come as well being authorities proceed investigating the supply of the an infection in Nigeria and coordinating efforts to comprise the outbreak throughout the area.
On October 23, 2026, Nairametrics reported that Switzerland disputed claims that Nigeria’s Ebola patient had travelled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding the an infection.
Before that, on October 21, Nairametrics reported that Uganda disputed claims linking the country to the source of Nigeria’s imported Ebola case, with investigations persevering with into the place the affected person contracted the virus.
Beyond the query of the an infection’s origin, Nairametrics reported on October 21, 2026, that the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) sought pressing worldwide assist for Nigeria’s Ebola response, calling for versatile funding, diagnostic instruments, medical gear, response personnel and stronger neighborhood surveillance.
