The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate has revealed that genomic analysis of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is genetically related to the virus identified in a case in Kenya.
Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
According to the statement, Pate said the findings provide important scientific information, while emphasising that further investigations were required to establish whether the two cases are epidemiologically linked.
The genomic analysis was conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, led by Professor Christian Happi.
Prof. Pate commended both institutions for their speed and scientific rigour, while reiterating that genetic relatedness between viruses does not, in itself, establish a direct transmission link between cases.
He stated that identified contacts of the confirmed case remain under active monitoring. Some had tested negative, while results for others were still pending.
The Coordinating Minister said the Federal Government was strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk communication and infection prevention and control. Healthcare facilities were reminded to promptly identify and report suspected cases to public health authorities, while additional training and sensitisation for healthcare workers would support the effective implementation of response protocols.
In a related announcement, the Director General of the NCDC stated that the agency would begin issuing short daily updates to the public from 24 October 2026, in line with its public health guidelines. The updates will provide regular information as the situation evolves.
The Minister urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, observe all recommended safety precautions, follow official public health guidance and avoid spreading misinformation or unverified reports.
He advised the public to obtain updates from recognised health authorities, including 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 reaffirmed its commitment to containing the outbreak, protecting healthcare workers and preventing further transmission, while calling for continued cooperation from the public and all relevant stakeholders.
