The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised countries against imposing travel restrictions or trade bans on affected nations following Nigeria’s confirmation of its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus in Abuja.
The global health agency said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and, where necessary, verify travel and trade measures introduced in response to the outbreak.
WHO gave the advice in a statement on Tuesday, following the Nigerian government’s confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The agency said its risk assessment was being regularly reviewed to incorporate the latest developments surrounding the outbreak.
Nigeria is the fifth country to detect the virus since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 15, 2026.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the confirmed case involves a woman who recently travelled from Uganda to Nigeria.
Her symptoms began on October 7, four days after arriving in Nigeria. She subsequently sought medical attention at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11.
Laboratory tests confirmed the Bundibugyo Ebola virus infection on October 20.
The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, while investigations are ongoing to establish the likely source of her infection and reconstruct her complete travel and exposure history.
WHO said the ministry had identified 44 contacts who were being monitored, as efforts continued to trace other people who might have been exposed to the virus.
Infection prevention and control measures are also being strengthened at the private health facility where the patient initially sought treatment.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has activated its incident management system to coordinate the national response.
WHO stressed that the rapid identification of cases, timely monitoring of contacts and effective infection prevention and control measures were critical to containing the spread of the virus.
The agency said it was working with Nigerian health authorities and other partners to strengthen response measures, including case investigations, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and the provision of essential supplies such as personal protective equipment for health workers.
It also urged countries across the region to maintain a high level of preparedness as the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to evolve.
Kenya has reported nine cases linked to an imported infection in recent weeks, according to the report.
WHO advised countries to maintain strong disease surveillance systems, investigate alerts rapidly and ensure that laboratories were equipped to test suspected cases safely.
It also called for rapid-response and clinical teams to remain ready for immediate deployment, alongside stronger infection prevention and control measures in public and private health facilities.
Other recommended measures include pre-positioning essential medical supplies, actively engaging communities and intensifying monitoring at points of entry, supported by established response plans.
The agency emphasised that sustained preparedness was essential to detecting infections early, preventing further transmission and protecting health workers and communities.
