Reps Urge FG to Prepare Ebola Isolation Camps to Prevent Spread

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to prepare isolation facilities early and intensify public awareness to prevent the spread of Ebola following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory.

The lawmakers made the call on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, urging relevant health agencies to strengthen surveillance, improve emergency preparedness and ensure the prompt identification and isolation of suspected cases.

The call followed Nigeria’s confirmation of an Ebola case involving a woman who recently travelled from Uganda to Abuja. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20. The patient was subsequently isolated and placed under medical care.

Health authorities had identified 44 contacts linked to the confirmed case and commenced contact tracing to determine whether others had been exposed. The government also intensified surveillance at the country’s entry points and urged public and private healthcare facilities to remain alert for possible cases.

The House further urged the government to draw on the experience gained during Nigeria’s successful response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Lawmakers stressed that early detection, isolation, contact tracing and adequate supplies were essential to containing the infection and reducing the risk of further transmission.

The lawmakers also called for the urgent release of outstanding funds appropriated for relevant health agencies to strengthen laboratory testing, surveillance and emergency response operations. The House Committee on Infectious Diseases was mandated to engage relevant ministries and public health institutions, assess the country’s preparedness and report back to the House.

Meanwhile, the committee urged Nigerians to remain calm, follow official health guidance and avoid spreading unverified information. As of October 22, the Federal Government said there was no evidence that the confirmed case had spread into the wider community, while contact tracing and monitoring continued.