The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has introduced a new measure to prevent the spread of Ebola in the country. Travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission may be required to complete Health Declaration Forms at points of entry. This decision was made after an assessment of the evolving epidemiological situation and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
According to the NCDC, passengers from countries not affected by Ebola are exempt from completing the form. The Health Declaration Form will be used as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures for identified travellers of public health interest. The agency has urged members of the public to remain vigilant for symptoms consistent with Ebola and promptly seek medical attention where necessary.
The NCDC has also advised travellers and members of the public to provide relevant travel or exposure history to health authorities where applicable. Nigeria remains on high alert, with preparatory activities ongoing, and the measures will be reviewed in line with changes in the epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment. The advisory was addressed to relevant agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the World Health Organisation.
The NCDC had earlier identified the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, and eight other states as high-risk areas for Ebola importation. These states include Lagos, FCT, Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa. The agency warned that Nigeria faces a high risk of importation of the virus due to ongoing regional transmission, increased cross-border movement, and international travel.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing its severity and cross-border threat. The NCDC has reiterated that Ebola is not airborne and spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
The agency has listed early symptoms of Ebola, including fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, unexplained bleeding, and signs of shock. Health workers have been warned not to wait for bleeding symptoms before suspecting Ebola in patients with compatible symptoms and relevant travel history.
The NCDC's National Ebola Response System is in place to detect and respond to potential cases. The agency is working closely with relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance and prevent the importation and spread of Ebola in Nigeria. The measures are aimed at protecting the health and well-being of Nigerians.
Key points
- Travellers from Ebola-hit countries must complete Health Declaration Forms
- Nigeria is on high alert for Ebola importation
- The NCDC is working closely with relevant agencies to prevent the spread of Ebola
