Nigerias Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has disclosed that genomic analysis of the confirmed Ebola case recorded in the country shows a close link to the virus identified in Kenya.

Professor Pate made this known while providing an update on the nations health security response, noting that laboratory investigations and sequencing of the isolated virus indicate that the strain is closely related to the one currently circulating in Kenya.

According to the minister, the finding is crucial for understanding the pattern of transmission and for strengthening cross border surveillance and collaborative response efforts within the region.

He explained that the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, and other partner agencies, has activated necessary containment and monitoring measures to prevent further spread of the virus.

Professor Pate assured Nigerians that the health system is on high alert, with port health services, state epidemiologists and health facilities directed to heighten surveillance, practice strict infection prevention and control measures, and promptly report suspected cases.

He urged members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to observe preventive practices such as regular hand hygiene, avoiding contact with persons showing symptoms of Ebola, and seeking immediate medical attention when symptoms such as fever, vomiting and unexplained bleeding occur.

The minister also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in tackling emerging infectious diseases, noting that viruses do not respect borders and that information sharing between Nigeria and Kenya will be vital to effective control.

He reaffirmed the Federal Governments commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians and to working with international health partners, including the World Health Organization, to ensure a swift and coordinated response.

Nigerians have been advised to rely only on verified information from the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC and to disregard rumours and misinformation capable of causing panic.