WHO Urges Regional Vigilance After Nigeria Reports First Bundibugyo Ebola Case

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries across the region to strengthen preparedness following Nigeria's first reported case of Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus made the call on Wednesday after Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed the case, stressing the need for early detection and measures to prevent further transmission.

Contact Tracing Underway

Tedros said contact tracing was ongoing, with WHO and its partners working alongside the governments of Nigeria, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to strengthen the outbreak response.

He urged countries to maintain a high level of readiness to protect healthcare workers and communities while improving surveillance and early detection.

Patient Receiving Medical Care

The Federal Government confirmed that the imported case involved a woman who recently travelled from Uganda and tested positive for the infection. The patient is being isolated and receiving medical care in the Federal Capital Territory.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, said 44 contacts had been identified for monitoring. They include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals who may have travelled with the patient.

Government Calls for Calm

The government has urged Nigerians to remain calm, rely on verified information and follow public health guidance as surveillance measures are strengthened.

It also advised the public to practise good hand hygiene, learn about Ebola symptoms and seek guidance from public health authorities if they suspect possible exposure. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and other health agencies are working to support the response.

Punch Newspapers