The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a health advisory to American citizens in the country following Nigeria’s confirmation of a case of Bundibugyo virus disease, a rare form of Ebola disease.
The mission announced the advisory in a post on its official X account on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, stating that Nigerian health authorities had begun tracing people who might have come into contact with the infected individual.
According to the US Mission, the Nigerian government reported the case on October 20, adding that the patient had travelled to Nigeria by air from Uganda.
The mission urged American citizens to consult the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information on Ebola, preventive measures and travel-related health precautions.
It also advised anyone who might have been exposed to the virus to seek medical guidance if they developed symptoms associated with the disease.
The advisory urged individuals who believe they may have been exposed to Ebola to inform their healthcare providers before visiting a medical facility.
“If at risk for Ebola, alert your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola to receive guidance prior to presenting for care,” the mission stated.
The precaution is intended to help healthcare providers assess potential exposure and make appropriate arrangements before an individual arrives for treatment.
The mission also advised travellers to continue taking malaria-prevention medication as prescribed by their doctors, noting that some malaria symptoms can resemble those associated with Ebola.
“Continue to take malaria prophylaxis as recommended by your doctor. Symptoms of malaria can mimic symptoms of Ebola, leading to preventable health scares,” the advisory added.
The US Mission advised people travelling to areas experiencing Ebola outbreaks to monitor their health for 21 days after their journey.
“Monitor your health for 21 days following travel to an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak,” it said.
The mission also directed American citizens to the US Embassy’s Nigeria country page for general health information and details of medical providers available to assist them.
In addition, it encouraged Americans travelling abroad to contact their travel insurance providers to understand available medical evacuation options should they become ill overseas.
The advisory comes as Nigerian health authorities continue contact tracing and other public health measures following the reported Bundibugyo virus disease case.
Bundibugyo virus disease is a severe illness caused by the Bundibugyo virus, one of the viruses responsible for Ebola disease. The US Mission’s advisory urged potentially exposed individuals to follow medical guidance and take appropriate precautions.
