The Nigerian health authorities have confirmed that the Ebola patient receiving treatment in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is a diplomat whose condition has worsened to multi-organ failure.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed the development on Wednesday, confirming that laboratory tests identified the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

Olajumoke Babatunde, the agency’s Director of Public Health Laboratory Services, announced the strain identification during an emergency incident management meeting in Abuja. She said the diagnosis was established through three levels of molecular testing.

The patient, a woman who recently travelled from Uganda to Nigeria on an international flight, was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before Ebola was confirmed.

Health authorities have not disclosed her nationality. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, had earlier said the patient was isolated and receiving medical care.

Meanwhile, the government has identified 44 close contacts and commenced contact tracing to reduce the risk of further transmission. The exercise covers potentially exposed healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

The Bundibugyo strain causes Bundibugyo virus disease, a severe illness first identified in Uganda in 2007. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials.

The NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and FCT health authorities are coordinating containment measures and monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.