By Suliah Lawal
The Federal Government has launched further investigations into a possible connection between Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a case identified in Kenya, following genomic analysis indicating that the viruses are genetically related.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Saturday while providing an update on the country’s response to the confirmed case.
Pate explained that the analysis, 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, under the leadership of Professor Christian Happi, had established a genetic relationship between the viruses.
However, he cautioned that the finding did not automatically establish a direct epidemiological link between the two cases.
“The findings provide important scientific information, while further investigations are required to establish whether the two cases are epidemiologically linked,” the minister said.
He commended the NCDC and IGH for their prompt response and scientific rigour, stressing the importance of further investigations in determining whether the cases were connected.
Providing an update on contact tracing, the minister said individuals identified as contacts of the confirmed case remained under close monitoring, with some already testing negative while other results were still being awaited.
“Identified contacts of the confirmed case remain under active monitoring. Some have tested negative, while results for others are still pending,” Pate stated.
He added that the Federal Government was strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, public risk communication and infection prevention and control measures to limit the risk of further transmission.
According to him, healthcare facilities have been reminded to promptly identify and report suspected Ebola cases to public health authorities. Additional training and sensitisation programmes are also being planned to help healthcare workers implement established response protocols effectively.
The minister further announced that the NCDC would begin issuing brief daily updates to the public from October 24, 2026, following an announcement by the agency’s Director-General.
Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm, comply with recommended safety precautions and rely on verified information from recognised health authorities.
“Remain calm and vigilant, observe all recommended safety precautions, follow official public health guidance and avoid spreading misinformation or unverified reports,” he advised.
He encouraged the public to obtain updates from the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The Federal Government’s response continues to focus on monitoring identified contacts, strengthening surveillance and laboratory services, improving healthcare preparedness and ensuring that the public receives timely and accurate information as investigations progress.
