The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has placed the country on high alert following the worsening Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The NCDC said preparedness measures are being strengthened to reduce the risk of the virus being imported into Nigeria, with enhanced surveillance and additional monitoring of travellers from countries experiencing active or relevant Ebola transmission. (Channels Television)
Why Nigeria is on high alert
The alert follows continued transmission of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to the latest figures cited by the NCDC, the DRC had recorded 7,672 confirmed cases and 3,699 related deaths as of September 20, based on data available up to September 19. (Channels Television)
The NCDC said Nigeria’s response follows a Dynamic Risk Assessment carried out with public-health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Nigeria had earlier assessed the risk of importation as high because of international travel, population movement, major airports, seaports and porous land borders. (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control)
Travellers from affected countries face additional checks
Travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission are being asked to complete a Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced surveillance and follow-up measures.
Passengers arriving from countries not affected by the outbreak are currently exempt from the requirement. (Channels Television)
The move is intended to make it easier for health authorities to identify travellers who may have been exposed to the virus and respond quickly where necessary.
What symptoms should Nigerians watch for?
The NCDC advises members of the public to remain alert to symptoms consistent with Ebola and to seek medical attention promptly where there is relevant travel or exposure history.
Symptoms of Ebola can include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure. (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control)
How Ebola spreads
Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person.
Transmission can also occur through contaminated objects and through direct contact with infected animals.
Health authorities therefore continue to emphasise hygiene, early reporting of suspected cases and the use of appropriate protective equipment by healthcare workers. (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control)
No confirmed Nigerian case announced
The alert does not mean that an Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in Nigeria.
The NCDC’s measures are preventive and are aimed at improving readiness in the event of a suspected or imported case.
The agency said surveillance and preparedness measures will continue to be reviewed as the situation in the region develops. (Channels Television)
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