FG Raises Ebola Alert, Tightens Border Screening As Regional Outbreak Sparks Concern
As concerns grow over the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in parts of East and Central Africa, the Federal Government has intensified nationwide surveillance, border screening and emergency preparedness measures to prevent the disease from entering Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, however, reassured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the ministry said heightened preparedness protocols had been activated nationwide to strengthen Nigeria’s health security and guard against cross-border transmission of the virus.
Among the measures already in place are mandatory health declaration forms for arriving travellers, temperature screening at points of entry, enhanced risk assessments, and isolation and referral procedures for travellers showing symptoms associated with viral haemorrhagic fevers.
The ministry also announced strengthened disease surveillance across the country, including active monitoring of public health alerts, community-based reporting systems, and continuous epidemiological assessments in collaboration with regional and international health partners.
To boost emergency response capacity, Public Health Emergency Operations Centres have been placed on alert, while Rapid Response Teams remain on standby.
Health facilities have also been directed to strengthen triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases and adhere strictly to reporting protocols.
The government urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation, stressing that official preparedness advisories and technical guidance documents have been made available to stakeholders and the public.
Citizens were advised to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals, refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths to health authorities.
A statement signed by the Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, said the ministry would continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as necessary.
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