Ebola: NCDC Begins Enhanced Screening of Travellers From Outbreak Countries

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has stepped up surveillance at the nation’s points of entry as part of measures to prevent the importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into the country.

The agency said travellers arriving in Nigeria from countries experiencing active or significant Ebola transmission may be required to complete a Health Declaration Form.

The NCDC disclosed this in an interim public health advisory issued on Tuesday amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

The advisory, signed by the Director-General of the agency, Dr Jide Idris, said the measures followed an assessment of the evolving epidemiological situation, consultations with public health experts and engagement with the Federal Ministry of Health.

According to the agency, the Health Declaration Form is part of measures being implemented to strengthen surveillance and facilitate appropriate follow-up of travellers arriving from affected countries.

The NCDC, however, clarified that travellers arriving from countries not affected by the current Ebola situation are not required to complete the form at this time.

“Passengers from all other countries are exempt from completing the form at this time,” the agency stated.

The agency urged Nigerians and travellers to remain vigilant and be alert to symptoms associated with Ebola, particularly following possible exposure to the virus or travel to areas experiencing active transmission.

It also advised anyone who develops symptoms or believes they may have been exposed to the virus to seek medical attention promptly and provide relevant information about their travel or exposure history to healthcare providers.

The NCDC said Nigeria remains on heightened alert, with preparedness and response activities ongoing to ensure that any potential public health threat is identified and contained promptly.

It added that the measures would be reviewed continuously based on developments in the Ebola outbreak, epidemiological information and the prevailing public health risk assessment.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and coordinated response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.