Nigeria confirmed its first case of Ebola in the capital city of Abuja on Tuesday, officials announced. The patient, a woman who had recently arrived from Uganda, began exhibiting symptoms on October 7 and was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja on October 11 before being diagnosed with the virus.

The Nigerian Health Ministry stated that efforts are underway to contain the infection, with authorities tracing 44 individuals identified as having had contact with the patient. Health Minister Muhammad Pate emphasized that every possible measure is being taken to track and manage those contacts to prevent further spread.

Uganda, the source of the infection, had previously reported Ebola cases but was later declared free of the virus. Nigeria’s case follows recent confirmations in the region, including the first reported Ebola cases in Kenya earlier this month, where nine cases have now been recorded.

In response to these developments, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control had increased surveillance measures and strengthened preparedness for a potential outbreak two weeks ago after Kenya’s initial case was identified.

The recent spread of Ebola outside the Democratic Republic of Congo has raised concerns among health authorities about the transmission of the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. This rare strain has so far infected more than 9,000 people and caused over 4,300 deaths. The emergence of cases in countries like Kenya and now Nigeria underscores the ongoing risk of regional transmission and the need for coordinated public health responses.

Authorities in Nigeria continue to monitor the situation closely as they mobilize resources to prevent further spread and protect public health.