The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the country on heightened alert following the latest update on the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Centre’s Director-General, Jide Idris, disclosed this in a health advisory, noting that precautionary and preparedness measures were already being implemented to prevent the importation and spread of the disease in Nigeria.
According to the advisory, the measures would be reviewed continuously based on developments in the outbreak and emerging public health risks.
As part of strengthened surveillance, travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission are required to complete the Health Declaration Form to facilitate monitoring and follow-up.
However, passengers arriving from other countries are currently exempted from completing the form.
The NCDC also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and pay attention to symptoms associated with Ebola, while encouraging anyone who develops such symptoms to seek immediate medical attention and provide relevant information about recent travel or possible exposure.
The Centre said the advisory followed a dynamic risk assessment and consultations with public health experts as well as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and coordinated responses to emerging public health threats.
Meanwhile, the DRC reported 7,672 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,699 deaths as of September 20, based on data up to September 19.
The latest update also showed that 886 patients were receiving treatment in isolation facilities, representing 58 new confirmed cases and 23 additional deaths compared with the previous report.
The new infections were recorded in Ituri, with 38 cases; North Kivu, 14; Haut-Uélé, five; and Tshopo, one.
The outbreak has also recorded 1,879 recoveries among people who tested positive for the Bundibugyo virus, while 79.9 per cent of identified contacts remain under follow-up in the affected provinces.
Since the previous European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control report of September 18, the DRC has recorded 197 additional confirmed cases and 94 deaths.
