The World Health Organisation has urged countries to maintain strong disease surveillance and rapid alert investigation after Nigeria confirmed a new case of deadly Ebola virus on Tuesday.

A statement signed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said the patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, is currently in isolation and receiving medical care at a private hospital in Abuja.

Mr Pate noted that contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts, identified so far.

“Countries should maintain strong disease surveillance and rapid alert investigation, ensure laboratories can safely test suspected cases, keep rapid response and clinical teams ready for immediate activation, reinforce infection prevention and control in both public and private health facilities, and pre-position essential supplies, while actively engaging with communities,” said WHO.

Noting Kenya had reported nine cases linked to an imported case in recent weeks, the organisation further urged all countries in the region to sustain a high level of readiness as the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to evolve.

It added, “They should also heighten monitoring at points of entry, with response plans in place. Sustained readiness is essential to detect cases early, prevent onward transmission and protect health workers and communities.”

WHO advised against restricting travel to, or trade with, affected countries, noting it continues to closely monitor and, where necessary, verify travel and trade measures in relation to this event.

“WHO risk assessment is being regularly reassessed to incorporate the latest developments related to this event,” it added.

More than 4,000 people have been killed by the deadly virus, which has ravaged DR Congo in the past few months.