Centre Advises Travellers From Affected Countries to Complete Health Declaration Form
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed Nigeria on high alert following an update on the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In a health advisory signed by its Director-General, Jide Idris, the NCDC said preparatory activities were ongoing to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness to respond to any potential threat.
The Centre said the measures would be reviewed regularly based on the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment.
It advised travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced surveillance and follow-up measures. Travellers from other countries are currently exempt from the requirement.
The NCDC also urged members of the public to remain vigilant for symptoms consistent with EVD and promptly seek medical attention where necessary, while providing relevant travel or exposure history to health officials.
The advisory followed a dynamic risk assessment conducted by the NCDC in consultation with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
According to the outbreak update cited in the advisory, the DRC had recorded 7,672 confirmed cases and 3,699 deaths as of September 20, based on data up to September 19. A total of 886 patients were hospitalised in isolation.
The latest update represented 58 new confirmed cases and 23 additional deaths compared with the previous report. The new cases were recorded in Ituri, North Kivu, Haut-Uélé and Tshopo provinces.
The NCDC said 1,879 people who tested positive for Bundibugyo virus had recovered, while 79.9 per cent of identified contacts in affected provinces were under follow-up.
The Centre reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to public health threats.