The United States (U.S) Mission in Nigeria has issued an official health advisory for American citizens residing in or traveling to the West African nation.
The alert follows confirmation from Nigerian health authorities of an imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease, a rare and severe strain of Ebola, brought into the country by an air traveler arriving from Uganda.
Nigeria confirmed its first imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), becoming the fifth country to detect the virus since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on May 15, 2026.
Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, said on Tuesday that the patient is a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.
Pate said her symptoms began on October 7, four days after arriving in Nigeria, and she sought medical attention at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11. Laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20.
He noted that the patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, while investigations are ongoing to establish the likely source of infection and trace her movements and contacts.
The ministry said 44 contacts had been identified and were being monitored.
Taking to its official social media handles, the U.S mission to Nigeria in the advisory urged travellers and members of the public to consult the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for information about Ebola and its travellers’ health guidance for Nigeria.
It also advised people who might have been exposed to the virus to seek medical guidance if they developed symptoms consistent with Ebola.
“If at risk for Ebola, alert your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola to receive guidance before presenting for care,” the advisory stated.
The mission further urged travellers to continue taking malaria prophylaxis as prescribed by their doctors, warning that symptoms of the disease could resemble those of Ebola.
“Continue to take malaria prophylaxis as recommended by your doctor. Symptoms of malaria can mimic symptoms of Ebola, leading to preventable health scares,” it added.
The advisory also recommended that travellers monitor their health for 21 days after visiting an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak.
“Monitor your health for 21 days following travel to an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak,” the mission said.
It urged travellers to consult the U.S Embassy’s Nigeria country page for general health information and refer to its list of medical providers when necessary.
The mission also advised travellers to check with their travel insurance providers about medical evacuation options should they fall ill while abroad.
“Check with your travel insurance provider about medical evacuation options should you fall ill while overseas,” the advisory stated.
WHO Warns Against Travel Restrictions
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised countries against imposing travel or trade restrictions on countries affected by the Ebola outbreak.
In a statement, the organisation said it is closely monitoring measures introduced by countries in response to the outbreak and would verify travel and trade restrictions where necessary.
“WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, affected countries,” the organisation said.
WHO said it is supporting Nigerian health authorities with case investigations, contact tracing, infection prevention and control measures, and the provision of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment for health workers.
WHO urged countries in the region to maintain heightened surveillance and preparedness as the outbreak in the DRC continues to evolve.
