Nigeria has confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo-strain Ebola in Abuja, and Africa CDC and Uganda have given differing accounts of where the patient travelled.

Health Minister Muhammad Pate said 44 contacts had been identified. Africa CDC says the patient is Ugandan-born and arrived in Abuja on 3 October; Uganda says it has no Ebola outbreak.

What officials have said

The federal government confirmed the case on Tuesday. It said the patient, a woman, developed symptoms four days after arriving from Uganda. She is in isolation and receiving care.

The Federal Ministry of Aviation directed the airports authority to place 46 contacts on a no-fly list for at least 21 days, and surveillance at entry points has been strengthened.

Africa CDC director-general Jean Kaseya said on Thursday the agency is talking with Nigeria, Uganda and the DRC. He said the patient's own account is key to avoiding a "crisis between African countries", and asked her to share her travel history, including any visit to the DRC or time outside Kampala. He said the continent is "well prepared" and not in panic.

Nigeria's Senate called for emergency funding and mandatory health screening at airports, seaports and land borders, and the House called for public awareness and early preparation of isolation camps.

The wider outbreak

Kaseya said the Bundibugyo outbreak, which began in the DRC in May, has killed 4,690 people, has 9,735 confirmed cases and remains uncontrolled, according to a report of his remarks. This figure needs a second confirmation.

There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo virus. Africa CDC has started clinical trials of new vaccines, including one made in Egypt, according to the agency.

What we do not yet know

  • Where the patient travelled before reaching Abuja. Africa CDC and Uganda have conflicting accounts, and another report cites a different nationality that we have not been able to verify and have not used.
  • Exact timing of diagnosis; reports differ on the number of days between arrival and confirmation.
  • Whether any of the 44 or 46 contacts have shown symptoms. None were reported.
  • Details come from two accounts only and need a second confirmation from the health ministry or WHO.