Following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), genomic analysis has revealed that the virus shares a genetic link with one identified in Kenya, although health authorities say the finding does not establish a direct connection between the two infections.
The Federal Government said further investigations were needed to determine whether the cases were epidemiologically linked, stressing that genetic similarity alone does not prove that the Nigerian patient contracted the virus in Kenya or had contact with the Kenyan case.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed the findings in an update issued on Friday, October 23, 2026.
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, Osun State, led by Professor Christian Happi.
Pate commended both institutions for their swift response, noting that genomic analysis would help inform investigations and guide measures to contain the disease.
Meanwhile, health authorities are monitoring contacts of the confirmed case. The minister said some had tested negative, while results for others remained pending.
The government is also strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory testing, case management and infection prevention measures.
Healthcare facilities have been urged to promptly identify and report suspected cases, while additional training is planned to improve preparedness among medical personnel.
In a bid to keep the public informed, the NCDC is expected to begin issuing daily updates from Saturday, October 24, on developments surrounding the case.
Pate urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, follow official health advice and avoid spreading unverified information, directing the public to rely on updates from the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to containing the outbreak and preventing further transmission as investigations into the infection’s origin and possible epidemiological links continue.
