Nigeria reports first Ebola case as outbreak spreads across Africa. The disease, which has infected over 9,500 people and killed more than 4,600, has spread to four African countries including Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda. The outbreak, described as the fastest-spreading on record, has raised concerns about its potential to become the deadliest in history.
The case in Nigeria, a woman who traveled from Uganda to the capital Abuja, was confirmed on Tuesday. She is in isolation and receiving medical care, with 44 close contacts identified. Health officials have begun tracing those in contact with the patient, including healthcare workers and those who traveled with her. The patient is believed to have arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
Africa CDC director general Jean Kaseya warned of an 'extremely serious threat' as the outbreak spreads across three regions of Africa. The disease has a high mortality rate, with nearly 50% of cases being fatal. Health officials have called for urgent action and international support to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Uganda has confirmed it has no active Ebola cases, stating that travel through the country does not establish infection. The country previously reported cases linked to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo but declared itself free of the virus in August. Health officials are concerned about the potential for the disease to spread further into western Africa and across borders.