WAHO urges vigilance in West Africa after Ebola case in Abuja
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Icilomé
After an imported Ebola case was confirmed in Abuja on 20 October 2026, the West African Health Organization is calling on people to step up their vigilance. It is coordinating surveillance with Nigerian authorities and ECOWAS member states, and recommends hygiene measures and prompt medical attention if symptoms occur, according to WAHO.
The West African Health Organization (WAHO) is calling on people in West Africa to step up their vigilance after confirmation of an imported case of Ebola virus disease in Abuja, Nigeria, on 20 October 2026, Icilomé reports.
WAHO is coordinating its efforts with the Nigerian health authorities and member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and prevent cross-border spread. It recommends strictly following hygiene rules, avoiding all contact with infected people or sick animals, and promptly consulting a health centre if suspicious symptoms occur.
The Nigerian authorities had identified 44 people who had been in contact with the patient, according to information published on 20 October. Nigeria subsequently received support from the World Health Organization after the detection of the first case of Bundibugyo Ebola in the country, on 21 October.
