Nigeria confirms first Ebola case, matching DR Congo strain

· Health · Nigeria · DR Congo

Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case, in a woman in the capital Abuja who had travelled from Uganda, and health officials said the virus matches the Bundibugyo strain behind the Democratic Republic of Congo's deadliest-ever outbreak. The woman began showing symptoms on Oct 7 and was admitted to hospital; officials said she had holidayed in Kampala and is the wife of a diplomat based in Abuja. The outbreak has now reached West Africa for the first time. The World Health Organization has warned the wider region faces a growing crisis as health authorities prepare to coordinate a response.

Why it matters：Ebola reaching West Africa's most populous country raises the risk of wider transmission and tests regional health systems' readiness.

Key points

  • The patient travelled from Uganda and is the wife of a diplomat.
  • The Bundibugyo strain drove DR Congo's deadliest outbreak.
  • It is the first time the outbreak has reached West Africa.

Sources (original reporting)

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