The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has strengthened Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) surveillance measures for travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant transmission, following the evolving outbreak situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The agency said in a statement on Tuesday, September 22, that travellers from affected countries may be required to complete Health Declaration Forms to support border surveillance, risk assessment, contact follow-up and early detection of suspected cases. Travellers from other countries are currently exempt under the agency’s risk-based approach.
The NCDC urged the public to remain vigilant for symptoms associated with Ebola, particularly people with relevant travel or exposure histories. It advised anyone who develops symptoms to seek medical attention promptly and provide accurate travel and exposure information to health authorities.
The agency said the measures were developed in consultation with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. It added that the response would be reviewed as new epidemiological information becomes available and Nigeria’s risk assessment is updated.
The surveillance effort involves the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Port Health Services, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, alongside state health ministries and international partners including the World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
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