Nigeria has reported its first confirmed case of Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which is responsible for the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The patient, identified as a diplomat, arrived in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on October 3 after traveling from Uganda, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The announcement was made during an emergency meeting held recently, where officials confirmed the identification of the Ebola strain through multiple molecular tests conducted by the NCDC. Olajumoke Babatunde, director of the public health laboratory service at the NCDC, emphasized that the Bundibugyo strain was confirmed following rigorous testing protocols. The World Health Organization (WHO) corroborated this finding, highlighting the ongoing challenge posed by this strain, for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists.

Officials noted that the patient’s health condition has worsened, resulting in multi-organ failure. The diplomat's nationality was not disclosed. This case marks a significant development in the spread of the Ebola outbreak in Africa, which was first declared in the DR Congo in mid-May and has since extended to several neighboring countries, including Uganda and Kenya.

Uganda was certified Ebola-free by the WHO in August after reporting 20 cases during the outbreak, most of which involved individuals who had traveled from DR Congo. However, the regional Ebola situation remains precarious. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, described the ongoing transmissions as “an extremely serious threat,” referencing the recent confirmation of the ninth Ebola case in Kenya.

The appearance of the Bundibugyo strain in Nigeria raises concerns about the potential for further spread, given Nigeria’s large population and status as a major regional hub. Health authorities have intensified surveillance and response efforts to contain the virus, emphasizing the need for cross-border cooperation and rapid action to mitigate the outbreak’s impact.