Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case, a woman who traveled from Uganda, as the outbreak spreads across Africa. The case was detected in Abuja after laboratory tests confirmed the viral infection. The patient is in isolation and receiving medical care, with contact tracing already underway.
Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate confirmed the patient's travel from Uganda and the ongoing contact tracing efforts. Uganda's government spokesperson denied any Ebola cases in the country, while Africa's top public health agency warned of an 'extremely serious threat' as the outbreak becomes the most geographically extensive in history.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has spread to multiple countries across three regions of Africa. The World Health Organization declared Uganda free of the virus in August, but Kenya reported nine cases this month, all linked to a person who traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Africa's top public health agency has started mobilizing support for Nigeria, emphasizing the need for international assistance and resources.