Nigeria has strengthened surveillance at its borders against a possible importation of Ebola Virus Disease, following the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission may be required to complete Health Declaration Forms.
The agency said the measure would support early detection, risk assessment, contact tracing and timely response to potential cases.
The NCDC said the decision followed a dynamic risk assessment and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“Travellers from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission may need to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures,” the agency stated.
Travellers from other countries are currently exempt from completing the form, reflecting the NCDC’s risk-based approach.
The agency said information collected through the declaration process would help health authorities identify people who may have been exposed to the virus, monitor symptoms and facilitate timely interventions.
The NCDC urged Nigerians and travellers to remain alert to Ebola symptoms, particularly after recent travel or possible exposure to infected people.
Symptoms may include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and rash. Severe cases may also involve internal or external bleeding.
Also Read: DR Congo reports 6,757 Ebola cases, 3,267 deaths
The agency advised anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to seek immediate medical attention and provide accurate travel and contact information.
NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, said Nigeria was strengthening its preparedness in response to the changing epidemiological situation.
He said the country would continue to review its measures based on new information and evolving public health risks.
“The measures will continue to be reviewed in line with the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment,” the agency stated.
The response involves the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
State ministries of health are also involved, while the World Health Organisation and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention provide technical support.
The NCDC said the measures focus on prevention, preparedness and early response rather than alarm.
Nigeria has previous experience managing Ebola. In 2014, the country contained an outbreak introduced by an infected traveller through rapid detection, contact tracing and coordinated response.
The NCDC said the country had continued to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency response structures and border health protocols since then.
The agency urged the public to avoid misinformation, rely on official health updates and cooperate with health authorities when necessary.
The Tribune
