The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says its NCDC Ebola contact monitoring exercise is expected to reach its final stage on November 13, 2026, with 62 individuals linked to the country’s imported Ebola case currently under surveillance. The agency continues to track the identified contacts as part of efforts to prevent further transmission and detect possible infections.
In its latest Ebola Disease Situation Report, the NCDC explained that the identified individuals have different monitoring completion dates, ranging from October 31 to November 13. However, the agency stressed that contact tracing and surveillance activities remain ongoing as health officials continue to assess possible exposure.
The November 13 date represents the latest expected completion date for the current group of contacts, although authorities must meet the required public health conditions before concluding their follow-up activities.
Nigeria’s response follows the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20. Laboratory investigations detected the Bundibugyo strain of the virus in a woman who had travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.
NCDC Expands Contact Tracing and Ebola Surveillance
The NCDC has continued to strengthen its contact tracing strategy since confirming the infection, with 62 individuals identified and categorised for follow-up.
Contact tracing allows health officials to identify people who may have encountered an infected person and assess their potential exposure. Through regular monitoring, medical teams can identify symptoms early and take appropriate action when necessary.
Meanwhile, the agency has mapped and trained additional contact tracers to support the ongoing surveillance exercise. It has also reviewed and expanded its contact identification strategy to improve the identification of individuals who may require monitoring.
The NCDC has further updated its Ebola disease case definitions to improve how health workers identify and manage suspected infections.
In addition, the agency plans to assess more individuals for possible evacuation to designated quarantine facilities. It also intends to maintain follow-up for contacts already in quarantine while strengthening its contact management system.
These measures form part of a broader response designed to improve early detection, reduce exposure risks and strengthen coordination among public health institutions.
Laboratory Results Show One Confirmed Infection
The NCDC has also provided updates on laboratory investigations conducted since the confirmation of Nigeria’s imported Ebola case.
According to its situation report, laboratories have tested 18 samples, with one returning positive and 17 testing negative. The positive result came from the confirmed patient, while the negative samples included 15 collected from identified contacts and two from suspected cases.
Furthermore, the agency confirmed that genomic sequencing had been completed through collaboration between its National Reference Laboratory and the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases.
The findings provide important information for ongoing investigations and help health authorities understand the confirmed infection.
The index patient arrived in Abuja on October 3 after travelling from Uganda through Addis Ababa. She developed symptoms on October 7 and sought medical attention at a private health facility on October 11.
Following notification of the suspected infection, the NCDC began investigations and collected samples for laboratory testing. The National Reference Laboratory confirmed the Ebola infection on October 20.
Authorities subsequently evacuated the patient to Switzerland on October 26 for further medical care.
Nigeria Maintains National Ebola Response
Beyond contact tracing and laboratory investigations, Nigeria continues to coordinate its response through the National Incident Management System.
The NCDC has activated the system to coordinate activities across relevant public health sectors and partner institutions. It has also finalised an Incident Action Plan to guide response priorities and improve accountability.
Additionally, the agency plans to strengthen laboratory testing capacity, improve contact management and maintain preparedness in states considered at higher risk.
The NCDC’s October 31 situation report also recorded no new contacts and no symptomatic contacts in the preceding 24 hours. However, it reported signals from Adamawa State, where investigations were ongoing.
These developments highlight why health authorities must maintain surveillance even as the current group approaches its expected monitoring deadline.
Although November 13 remains the target date for completing follow-up of the 62 identified contacts, the NCDC continues to coordinate surveillance and other containment measures to prevent further transmission.
The agency’s ongoing efforts remain central to Nigeria’s preparedness as health officials monitor the situation and strengthen the country’s response to Ebola disease.