RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that no approved vaccine or strain-specific treatment is available for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, following reports of a confirmed case in Abuja, Nigeria.
The development has prompted intensified surveillance, contact tracing and emergency preparedness measures by Nigerian health authorities.
According to information released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), laboratory testing identified the Bundibugyo virus in a female patient who arrived in Nigeria earlier this month.
The patient reportedly entered the country on October 3 aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight after travelling through Uganda. She subsequently received medical attention at a private hospital in Abuja before being transferred to an isolation facility.
Although no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is available for the Bundibugyo strain, supportive medical care remains essential for managing the infection and improving patients’ chances of survival.
The NCDC has reportedly identified 44 individuals who may have been exposed to the patient, including healthcare workers, caregivers, fellow patients and people connected to her travel history.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said Nigeria was collaborating with Ugandan authorities to investigate the infection and prevent further transmission.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health, however, clarified that the patient’s transit through the country did not establish where she contracted the virus. Ugandan officials requested additional travel and clinical information to support investigations.
Meanwhile, the Senate and House of Representatives have called for mandatory health screening at international airports, seaports and designated land borders.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to release emergency funding to strengthen laboratory testing, surveillance, protective equipment supplies and isolation facilities.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar separately demanded an explanation of the reported ₦10 billion allocation for Ebola preparedness, raising concerns about the protection of frontline health workers and the speed of the government’s response.
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that public health agencies are coordinating containment measures and urged citizens to remain vigilant without spreading unverified information.
Health authorities advise anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to seek medical guidance promptly, avoid direct contact with suspected patients and follow official infection-prevention instructions.
Investigations into the source of the reported infection and the health status of identified contacts are continuing.
