Health ministry activates nationwide preparedness measures, insists Nigeria has no confirmed Ebola case.Your Attractive Heading
The Federal Government has intensified health screening and surveillance measures at Nigeria’s land borders, airports and seaports following the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus disease in Central Africa.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, authorities reassured Nigerians that no confirmed case of Ebola has been recorded in the country but announced the activation of heightened preparedness measures to prevent any possible importation of the virus.
The ministry disclosed that travellers identified as high-risk or exhibiting symptoms associated with Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers will undergo secondary screening, isolation and referral procedures. Additional measures include mandatory temperature checks, health declaration forms, travel history assessments and enhanced risk profiling at designated entry points.
The government also revealed that surveillance systems have been strengthened nationwide through enhanced disease monitoring, community-based surveillance networks, activated Public Health Emergency Operations Centres and standby Rapid Response Teams.
Healthcare facilities have been directed to improve infection prevention measures, strengthen triage systems and promptly isolate and report suspected cases. While urging citizens not to panic, the ministry encouraged regular hand hygiene, avoidance of contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals and immediate reporting of unusual illnesses. The renewed vigilance comes as the World Health Organization reported 321 confirmed Ebola cases and 48 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with additional confirmed cases recorded in neighbouring Uganda, prompting increased concern across the region.