The World Health Organisation Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, has called on countries in the region to maintain a high level of preparedness after Nigeria reported its first case of Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus.

Tedros made the appeal in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, following confirmation of the case by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

He noted that contact tracing is ongoing and that the WHO is working with the governments of Nigeria, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthen the overall outbreak response.

He stressed that countries in the region must stay alert to detect cases early, prevent further spread and protect healthcare workers and communities. The WHO boss described sustained readiness as essential for effective control of the virus.

Nigeria’s Federal Government had on Tuesday confirmed the country’s first imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory. The patient, a woman who recently travelled from Uganda, tested positive and is currently in isolation receiving medical care.

Health authorities have identified 44 contacts for monitoring, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and possible travel companions. The government urged Nigerians to remain calm, practise good hand hygiene, watch for symptoms and rely on verified information while surveillance measures are strengthened.