The Federal Government has disclosed that genomic analysis of the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) indicates that the virus is genetically related to one identified in Kenya,
while stressing that further investigations are needed to establish whether the cases are epidemiologically linked.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in an update issued in Abuja on Friday, October 23, 2026.
According to the minister, the findings provide important scientific information for the ongoing investigation but do not, on their own, establish a direct transmission link between the cases in Nigeria and Kenya.
The genomic analysis was conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in collaboration with the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, under the leadership of Prof. Christian Happi.
Pate commended both institutions for their prompt response and scientific rigour, noting that additional investigations would be required to determine the relationship, if any, between the two cases.
He disclosed that identified contacts of the confirmed case remained under active monitoring, adding that some had tested negative while results for others were still being awaited.
The minister said the Federal Government was strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk communication, and infection prevention and control measures as part of efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
He added that healthcare facilities had been reminded to promptly identify and report suspected cases to public health authorities.
According to him, additional training and sensitisation programmes for healthcare workers would also be undertaken to strengthen compliance with established response protocols.
In a related development, the Director-General of the NCDC announced that the agency would begin issuing brief daily updates on the situation from Saturday, October 24, in line with its public health guidelines.
The updates are expected to provide the public with regular information as investigations progress and the situation evolves.
Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, observe recommended safety precautions, and follow official public health advisories.
He also cautioned against spreading misinformation and unverified reports, advising the public to rely on information from recognised health authorities, including the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to containing the outbreak, protecting healthcare workers, and preventing further transmission, while calling for the cooperation of Nigerians and other relevant stakeholders.
The government emphasised that genetic relatedness does not necessarily mean that the Nigerian and Kenyan cases are directly connected, with epidemiological investigations still required to establish any possible link.
By FirmNews
