The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened public health surveillance across the country following the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The agency said travellers arriving in Nigeria from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission may be required to complete a Health Declaration Form as part of measures to prevent the importation and potential spread of the disease.
The NCDC disclosed this in an interim public health advisory issued on Tuesday and signed by its Director-General, Dr Jide Idris.
According to the agency, the decision followed an assessment of the evolving epidemiological situation, alongside consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The NCDC explained that the enhanced surveillance measures are specifically targeted at travellers arriving from countries considered relevant to the current Ebola transmission situation.
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It stressed that passengers arriving from other countries are currently exempt from completing the Health Declaration Form.
“Travellers from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission may be required to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures,” the agency stated.
The development comes as health authorities continue to monitor the Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and assess the potential risk of international spread.
The NCDC has also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and pay attention to symptoms that could be associated with Ebola Virus Disease.
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The agency urged anyone who develops symptoms consistent with EVD to seek medical attention promptly and disclose any relevant travel or possible exposure history to healthcare professionals.
Nigeria, the NCDC said, remains on high alert, with preparedness and response activities ongoing to ensure that any potential imported case can be detected and managed promptly.
The agency further noted that the current measures are not permanent and will continue to be reviewed as the epidemiological situation evolves and new public health risk assessments become available.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based disease surveillance, preparedness and coordinated response to emerging public health threats.
For now, the agency is urging Nigerians and international travellers to remain calm but vigilant, particularly those arriving from areas where Ebola transmission is active or considered relevant to Nigeria’s public health risk assessment.
