…call for stronger surveillance, contact tracing and emergency preparedness following reported case linked to Uganda
By Gloria Ikibah 
The House of Representatives Committee on Infectious Diseases has urged Nigerians not to panic over reports of a suspected Ebola threat, calling for calm, strict adherence to health guidelines and increased vigilance to prevent a possible outbreak.
The Chairman of the committee, Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja while leading members of the committee to brief the House of Representatives Press Corps.
Ogah emphasised the importance of early detection, public awareness and strict compliance with preventive measures issued by health authorities to contain the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Naijablitznews.com reports that the appeal follows a report of a confirmed Ebola case involving a woman who reportedly arrived in Abuja from Uganda on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with health authorities said to be tracing 44 contacts for isolation and further testing.
The lawmakers urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), warning against panic and the circulation of unverified reports.
They also called on federal and state health authorities to strengthen disease surveillance, screening at points of entry, laboratory testing, contact tracing and emergency response measures to prevent further transmission.
The committee chairman expressed concern that delays in detecting suspected cases, isolating infected persons and tracing their contacts could increase the risk of transmission and put additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
They identified public awareness, adequate infection prevention and control supplies, healthcare workers’ preparedness and sufficient funding for emergency response as critical measures for containing any potential outbreak.
The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to immediately mobilise relevant public and private health institutions to intensify preparedness and response efforts.
They also called for the urgent release of outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies, noting that adequate financing was necessary for the effective discharge of their responsibilities.
The committee further urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to assess the country’s preparedness and response capacity in line with current epidemiological evidence and public health guidance.
As part of efforts to strengthen oversight, the committee pledged to engage relevant ministries, departments, agencies and public health institutions to obtain updates on the Ebola situation and report back to the House for further legislative action.
The lawmakers also underscored the importance of collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international and regional public health institutions to ensure that Nigeria’s response is guided by scientific evidence and international health regulations.
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe infectious disease that can be fatal. It requires prompt detection, appropriate medical care and coordinated public health interventions to limit transmission.
The committee reiterated that timely intervention by health authorities, combined with public cooperation and adherence to official guidelines, would be essential to protecting lives and safeguarding public health.
