- ECOWAS health agency rallies member states on early detection, emergency preparedness, public vigilance
The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has intensified regional disease surveillance and coordination among Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola virus disease in Abuja, raising concerns over the potential risk of cross-border transmission.
The ECOWAS specialised health institution disclosed that Nigerian health authorities confirmed the infection on October 20, 2026, involving a woman who had recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda.
According to WAHO, the patient developed symptoms on October 7 and received treatment at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11 before laboratory tests confirmed the infection nine days later.
The organisation said it was closely monitoring developments in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), national health authorities and regional epidemiological surveillance networks to strengthen preparedness and minimise the risk of further transmission.
The confirmation has prompted renewed calls for heightened vigilance, rapid identification of suspected cases and effective information-sharing among West African countries to prevent the outbreak from spreading across national borders.
As part of the response, WAHO said it convened a briefing on October 21 with directors of National Public Health Institutes across ECOWAS member states to reinforce regional coordination and preparedness.
The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to support member countries in preventing, detecting and responding to public health emergencies, particularly infectious diseases capable of spreading rapidly across borders.
It stressed that early detection, prompt reporting of suspected infections, effective epidemiological surveillance and coordinated action by national health authorities remained essential to containing epidemic-prone diseases.
WAHO issues preventive guidelines
As regional health authorities step up their response, WAHO has urged the public to observe strict preventive measures to reduce the risk of Ebola transmission.
The organisation advised frequent handwashing with soap and clean water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, while warning against direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of sick or deceased persons.
It also cautioned against contact with potentially contaminated clothing, bedding and personal belongings, stressing the importance of appropriate precautions when dealing with suspected cases.
WAHO further warned the public against handling the bodies of people who died from suspected Ebola infections, urging that safe and dignified burials be conducted by trained personnel in accordance with public health guidelines.
On animal-related risks, the organisation advised people against handling or consuming bushmeat and cautioned against contact with sick or dead animals, particularly bats and primates. It also urged the public to ensure that meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Public urged to report symptoms immediately
WAHO listed symptoms requiring urgent medical attention to include sudden fever, severe fatigue, body aches, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.
It advised anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola to contact a health facility immediately and follow instructions from qualified health professionals.
The organisation also urged people to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas and advised travellers whose journeys were unavoidable to comply strictly with official public health guidance.
It warned that misinformation, rumours and unverified reports could undermine outbreak control efforts, calling on the public to obtain information exclusively from credible, official sources.
Regional coordination critical to containing outbreak
The latest intervention highlights the importance of regional cooperation in containing infectious diseases in West Africa, where cross-border movement of people and goods can complicate surveillance and response efforts.
WAHO said its specialised ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control, based in Abuja, would continue monitoring the situation and sharing relevant information in coordination with the appropriate health authorities.
The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the health ministries of ECOWAS member states, technical institutions and financial partners to strengthen regional health security and protect populations across the subregion.
With the Abuja case prompting heightened attention to the possibility of further transmission, the effectiveness of the response will depend on timely detection, transparent reporting, public compliance with preventive guidance and sustained cooperation among national and regional health institutions.
WAHO maintained that vigilance and coordinated preparedness remained essential to limiting the public health risks associated with the infection and preventing its spread across West Africa.
