The World Health Organisation has called for heightened vigilance across Africa after Nigeria confirmed its first imported Ebola case.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus made the call on Wednesday on X, after the Federal Ministry of Health confirmed the case.
Nigeria’s case is a woman who recently travelled from Uganda. She arrived in Nigeria, started showing symptoms on October 7, and tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola on October 20 in Abuja. She is now in isolation in a private hospital in the FCT.
The Federal Government says 44 contacts have been identified so far — including health workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts — and contact tracing is ongoing.
Tedros said WHO and partners are working with Nigeria, Kenya and DR Congo to strengthen the response.
“Contact tracing is ongoing. WHO and partners are working with the governments of Nigeria, Kenya and the DRC to strengthen the overall outbreak response,” he said.
He urged countries in the region to sustain high readiness to detect cases early, prevent further spread and protect health workers and communities.
WHO also advised countries not to impose travel or trade restrictions on affected countries.
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