The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), placing Nigeria on high alert and intensifying preparedness measures against the potential importation of the virus.
In a statement signed by the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, the agency said it was closely monitoring the situation and had activated preparatory measures to strengthen Nigeria’s surveillance and response capacity.
“These measures will continue to be reviewed in line with the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment,” the NCDC said.
The agency advised travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures.
“Passengers from all other countries are exempted from completing the form at this time,” the agency said.
The NCDC also urged members of the public to remain vigilant for symptoms associated with Ebola and to seek medical attention promptly if they become unwell, particularly after travel or possible exposure to the virus. It also advised individuals to provide relevant travel and exposure histories to healthcare workers where applicable.
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.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to emerging public health threats.
Ebola outbreak in DR Congo
The latest figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show that the DRC reported 7,672 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,699 related deaths as of September 20, based on data available through September 19.
A total of 886 patients were hospitalised in isolation, representing an increase of 58 confirmed cases and 23 deaths from the previous report.
The 58 newly confirmed cases were reported in Ituri (38), North Kivu (14), Haut-Uélé (five) and Tshopo (one).
Among people who tested positive for the Bundibugyo virus, 1,879 have recovered, while 79.9 per cent of identified contacts in affected provinces were under follow-up, according to the ECDC.
The ECDC said a total of 197 new confirmed cases and 94 deaths had been reported since its previous update covering September 18.
The situation remains serious, with the ECDC deploying additional experts to the DRC to support surveillance and the wider outbreak response.
Nigeria has previously strengthened its Ebola preparedness in response to outbreaks in the region. The NCDC has said the risk of importation is influenced by factors including international travel, population movement and the country’s major airports, seaports and land borders.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to rely on official public health information and to report suspected cases promptly to health authorities.
