Nigeria has been placed on high alert as health authorities strengthen surveillance and preparedness measures following the continued Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) issued the alert in a public health advisory signed by its Director-General, Dr Jide Idris. The Centre said it was closely monitoring the evolving situation and reviewing its preparedness measures according to the latest epidemiological information and public health risk assessments.
Nigeria had already assessed the risk of Ebola importation as high earlier in the outbreak because of regional transmission, international travel, population movement and porous land borders. The NCDC also said the country had no confirmed case at the time of its May preparedness advisory.
As part of the latest measures, travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission are required to complete Nigeria’s Health Declaration Form. The NCDC said the requirement would strengthen surveillance at points of entry and allow health authorities to follow up with travellers where necessary. Passengers arriving from other countries are currently exempt from completing the form.
The Centre also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant for symptoms associated with Ebola and seek medical attention promptly if they become ill. People with possible exposure or recent travel history should provide that information to health workers.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of ebolavirus different from the Zaire ebolavirus responsible for the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
