A World Health Organization (WHO) special envoy has clarified that the woman who tested positive for Ebola in Nigeria is a Ugandan national, correcting an earlier statement by Uganda’s Ministry of Health that identified her as Nigerian.
Dr Ayoade Alakija made the clarification in a post on X, saying the patient travelled to Abuja from Uganda as investigations continue to establish where she contracted the virus.
The clarification follows a statement issued by Uganda’s Ministry of Health on October 20, which described the patient as a Nigerian woman who had travelled to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for business before transiting through Uganda.
According to the ministry, the woman passed through Uganda in early October without showing symptoms but became ill after arriving in Nigeria. It cautioned that her transit through Uganda did not establish that she contracted the virus there, adding that investigations into the source of infection were ongoing.
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed the infection on October 20 after laboratory tests detected the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus.
The patient reportedly developed symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private health facility in Abuja four days later. She is currently receiving medical care in isolation.
Nigerian health authorities have identified 44 contacts who are being monitored for possible symptoms. Infection prevention and control measures have also been strengthened at the facility where the patient initially sought treatment.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated its incident management system to coordinate the response and support efforts to prevent further transmission.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health maintains that no active Ebola cases have been confirmed in the country and says information from Nigerian authorities will help guide investigations and any necessary contact tracing.
The development has heightened regional concern over the spread of the Bundibugyo strain, particularly as neighbouring countries strengthen surveillance and preparedness measures.
Kenya has also reported cases linked to an imported infection in recent weeks, according to the information provided, adding to concerns about cross-border transmission.
Health authorities continue to emphasise early detection, contact tracing and infection prevention as investigations seek to establish where the patient contracted the virus and whether others may have been exposed.
