The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has announced enhanced screening measures for travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant transmission of Ebola Virus Disease as part of efforts to prevent the virus from entering and spreading in Nigeria.
The NCDC disclosed this in an interim public health advisory issued on Tuesday amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to the agency, the measure followed an assessment of the evolving epidemiological situation, as well as consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The advisory, signed by the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, stated that travellers from countries where Ebola transmission is active or considered relevant could be required to complete health declaration forms.
The agency said, “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.”
However, the NCDC clarified that travellers arriving from countries outside the affected category were not currently required to complete the form.
“Passengers from all other countries are exempt from completing the form, at this time,” the NCDC stated.
The agency also advised members of the public to remain alert to symptoms associated with Ebola and seek medical attention promptly when necessary.
“The general public is encouraged to remain vigilant, particularly for symptoms consistent with EVD, and to promptly seek medical attention and report relevant travel or exposure history where applicable,” it said.
The NCDC said Nigeria remained on high alert, noting that preparedness activities were ongoing.
It added that the measures would be reviewed periodically based on developments in the epidemiological situation and assessments of public health risks.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to public health threats.
