The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries across the region to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency preparedness after Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in Abuja.
The patient, a woman who recently travelled from Uganda, tested positive on 20 October and is receiving care in isolation.
Nigerian health authorities have identified 44 contacts, while investigations continue to determine the source of infection and trace possible exposures.
WHO and partners are supporting Nigeria’s response with case investigation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control measures, and essential supplies, including personal protective equipment for health workers.
The agency called on countries to maintain rapid-response teams, safe laboratory testing, strong infection- control practices in public and private health facilities, and heightened monitoring at points of entry as the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to evolve.
WHO also advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions on affected countries, saying its risk assessment remains under regular review.
