Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case, a woman who traveled from Uganda, as the outbreak spreads across West Africa. The disease, linked to a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been described as the fastest-spreading on record. Health officials are tracing contacts of the patient as the situation remains under investigation.
The woman, who began showing symptoms on 7 October, was admitted to a hospital in Abuja and later diagnosed with Ebola. Authorities are tracing 44 contacts, with the Nigerian health minister emphasizing the need to contain the case. The patient's travel history and exposure location remain under investigation, with Uganda stating she transited through the country without symptoms.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, has infected over 9,500 people and killed more than 4,600. Health officials warn of a potential surge in cases as the virus spreads across three African regions. Nigeria has stepped up surveillance and preparedness efforts following recent cases in Kenya and Uganda.
Uganda's health ministry confirmed the patient transited through the country without symptoms, though the location of exposure remains under investigation. The Nigerian government has not disclosed her nationality, and the exact travel history is unclear, complicating contact tracing efforts.