Ebola Alert: Nigeria Tightens Surveillance As DRC Outbreak Spreads

 

Nigeria has heightened surveillance at its borders following the continued spread of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with health authorities urging Nigerians to remain vigilant.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said it had strengthened preparedness measures in response to the outbreak and developments in other countries in the region.

The NCDC said travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission could be required to complete a Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced surveillance and follow-up measures.

The interim public health advisory was signed by the NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, on September 22.

According to the advisory, passengers arriving from countries without active or relevant transmission are currently not required to complete the form.

The agency urged Nigerians and travellers to pay attention to symptoms associated with Ebola and seek medical attention promptly if they develop signs consistent with the disease.

Nigeria's renewed vigilance comes against the background of the country's previous experience with Ebola, when the disease was successfully contained following the arrival of an infected traveller in 2014.

The NCDC said the current measures were precautionary and aimed at ensuring that Nigeria can quickly detect, investigate and respond to any suspected case while limiting the possibility of cross-border transmission.