Nigeria reports its first Ebola case as the outbreak spreads across three African countries. The disease, which has infected over 9,500 people and killed more than 4,600, is now affecting Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. Health officials warn of the need for urgent action to prevent further spread.
A woman who arrived in Nigeria from Uganda tested positive for Ebola. She began showing symptoms on October 7 and was admitted to a hospital in Abuja on October 11. Authorities have identified 44 contacts, including healthcare workers and a Swiss national who lives with her. The patient is in isolation and receiving treatment.
Health officials say Nigeria has the systems in place to respond to the outbreak, having previously contained Ebola in 2014. The outbreak, which is the fastest-spreading on record, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of border screening systems. Uganda has declared itself Ebola-free but has not ruled out the possibility of the virus spreading through its borders.
Uganda's health ministry says travel through the country does not confirm infection. The woman's travel history to Congo, where over 9,500 cases have been recorded, is under investigation. Officials are tracing contacts and ensuring that the virus does not spread further across the region.