The Federal Government has said genomic analysis of Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) indicates that the virus is genetically related to a strain identified in Kenya.

The government, however, said further investigations were required to determine whether the two cases were epidemiologically linked.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Saturday while providing an update on the country’s Ebola response.

Pate explained that the findings offered important scientific information but cautioned that genetic similarities alone did not establish a direct transmission link between the cases.

According to him, the analysis was conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in collaboration with the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University, Ede, led by Professor Christian Happi.

The minister commended both institutions for their prompt response and scientific rigour, noting that investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the relationship between the viruses.

The minister added that the Federal Government was strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk communication, infection prevention and control measures to contain the potential spread of the disease.

He said healthcare facilities had been directed to promptly identify and report suspected cases to public health authorities.

According to him, additional training and sensitisation programmes would also be provided for healthcare workers to ensure effective implementation of response protocols.

Pate further announced that the NCDC would begin issuing brief daily updates on the outbreak from October 24, 2026, to keep Nigerians informed about developments.

He urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, observe recommended safety precautions and follow official public health guidelines.