Ebola: Niger activates emergency centre after Abuja case
Niger State Government Activates Public Health Emergency Response Following Ebola Case in Abuja
MINNA, Niger State — The Niger State Government has heightened the alert status of its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in response to a confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Abuja. The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, announced the precautionary measures on Wednesday, clarifying that no Ebola cases have been detected within Niger State.
The decision to ramp up disease surveillance comes amid concerns regarding increased travel between Niger State and the federal capital, as well as proximity to both the Minna International Airport and the international border with the Republic of Benin.
The Federal Government confirmed the Ebola case on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, involving a woman who had recently arrived from Uganda. The patient is currently in isolation, and 44 close contacts have been identified for monitoring.
Dr. Bagana stated that the state is collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), local health authorities, and various development partners to bolster its preparedness efforts.
Public and private health facilities have been instructed to report any suspected cases immediately. Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and local health teams are reinforcing their monitoring, notification, and investigation protocols. The Ministry of Health is also evaluating arrangements for the safe transport and isolation of any suspected cases, while enhancing infection prevention and control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment and safe clinical waste disposal.
Residents are advised to remain calm and practice good hygiene by frequently washing their hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers. They should also avoid direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
Individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding—particularly after potential exposure—are urged to refrain from close contact with others and to contact public health authorities before seeking medical attention.
The ministry further recommended that anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to the virus seek guidance promptly, even if they currently feel well. It also cautioned against disseminating unverified information or stigmatizing individuals undergoing health assessments.
Bagana emphasized that residing in or traveling to Niger State does not equate to exposure to the virus. Suspected cases can be reported to the Director of Public Health at 0703 458 3079, the State Epidemiologist at 0807 721 3070, or the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer at 0807 529 1989. The NCDC’s national toll-free helpline, where available, is 6232.
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents, healthcare workers, and visitors while encouraging the public to rely solely on verified information from recognized health authorities.
