Ebola: FG says Nigeria virus related to Kenya strain, probes link

Federal Government has said genomic analysis of the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, showed the virus is genetically related to the virus identified in a case in Kenya, though further investigation is needed to establish an epidemiological link.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Saturday while giving an update on the situation, noting that the findings provide important scientific information.

“The findings provide important scientific information, while further investigations are required to establish whether the two cases are epidemiologically linked,” Pate said.

According to the minister, the analysis was carried out by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, and the Institute of Genomics and Global Health, IGH, at Redeemer’s University, Ede, led by Professor Christian Happi.

He 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.

On contact tracing, Pate stated that “identified contacts of the confirmed case remain under active monitoring. Some have tested negative, while results for others are still pending”.

He said the Federal Government was strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk communication and infection prevention and control.

“Healthcare facilities have been reminded to promptly identify and report suspected cases to public health authorities, while additional training and sensitisation for healthcare workers will support the effective implementation of response protocols,” he added.

He announced that the director general of the NCDC stated that the agency would begin issuing short daily updates to the public from 24 October 2026.

“Remain calm and vigilant, observe all recommended safety precautions, follow official public health guidance and avoid spreading misinformation or unverified reports,” the minister urged Nigerians.

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.