RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
The Nasarawa State Government has issued a public health alert directing hospitals and other healthcare facilities to intensify disease surveillance and emergency preparedness following reports of an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The directive was contained in a public health advisory dated October 21, 2026, and signed by the Director of Public Health, Attah Peter Ombugadu, on behalf of the state Commissioner for Health.
According to the advisory, the precautionary measures followed reports of an Ebola infection involving the Bundibugyo virus in Abuja, where the affected patient was said to be receiving treatment in isolation.
The ministry instructed public and private healthcare facilities, disease surveillance officers and relevant health authorities to strengthen their capacity to identify and respond promptly to suspected infections.
Healthcare workers were directed to maintain heightened vigilance when attending to patients presenting symptoms consistent with Ebola, particularly those with relevant travel histories or possible exposure within the preceding 21 days.
The government emphasised that suspected cases must be reported immediately through established surveillance channels without waiting for laboratory confirmation.
Health facilities were also instructed to isolate suspected patients, avoid unnecessary transfers and ensure that referrals complied with approved national infection prevention protocols.
The advisory further directed healthcare personnel to maintain strict infection prevention and control measures, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment, regular handwashing, environmental cleaning and safe handling of potentially contaminated materials.
Hospitals were urged to review their emergency response plans, assess the availability of protective equipment and ensure that staff understood procedures for identifying and reporting suspected cases.
The ministry also called for proper documentation of patients’ travel and contact histories to support rapid investigation and contact tracing.
Beyond healthcare facilities, the government urged public health officials to intensify awareness campaigns aimed at educating residents about Ebola symptoms, transmission and preventive measures.
It warned against misinformation, stigmatisation and the circulation of unverified reports capable of creating unnecessary fear.
Ebola virus disease is transmitted primarily through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected people who have developed symptoms, as well as contaminated objects and materials.
The ministry encouraged residents to remain calm, maintain appropriate hygiene and cooperate with public health authorities.
Members of the public seeking to report suspected cases were advised to contact the Nasarawa State Rapid Response Team on 07035970293 or 07026366529.
The government stressed that the advisory was a preventive measure intended to strengthen early detection and response, rather than an announcement of a confirmed Ebola case within Nasarawa State.
