The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has placed the country on high alert following the continued outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The agency said it was strengthening surveillance, preparedness and response measures to guard against the possible importation of the virus into Nigeria, with the measures subject to review as the outbreak evolves.
The development was contained in a public health advisory issued on Wednesday and signed by the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, as the agency intensified monitoring of travellers and potential routes of transmission.
As part of the enhanced surveillance, travellers arriving in Nigeria from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission have been directed to complete the Health Declaration Form to enable health authorities to conduct appropriate follow-up where necessary.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and advised anyone who develops symptoms consistent with Ebola to seek medical attention promptly while disclosing recent travel history or possible exposure to the virus.
The agency said the latest measures followed a dynamic risk assessment conducted by the NCDC in consultation with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The alert comes amid a continuing Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the DRC.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the country had recorded 7,672 confirmed cases and 3,699 related deaths as of September 20, based on data available up to September 19.
Ituri remained the worst-affected province, with 5,913 cases and 2,703 deaths.
The NCDC said it would continue to strengthen evidence-based surveillance and preparedness while monitoring developments in the affected region.
The ECDC also deployed two epidemiologists to the DRC on September 21 to support surveillance and the wider outbreak response.
