The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory, placing the country on high alert due to the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The advisory, signed by NCDC Director-General Jide Idris, aims to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and response measures against potential threats from the outbreak. The NCDC is taking proactive steps to mitigate the risk of importation into Nigeria.
As part of the enhanced surveillance measures, travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission are required to complete the Health Declaration Form. This measure is part of efforts to strengthen public health surveillance and facilitate follow-up of travellers where necessary. Passengers from other countries are exempt from completing the form at this time. The NCDC is urging members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly for symptoms consistent with EVD.
The advisory follows a Dynamic Risk Assessment conducted by the NCDC, alongside consultations with relevant public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The NCDC stressed its commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness, and response to public health threats. The Centre is working closely with stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive response to the outbreak.
The current outbreak in the DRC is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of ebolavirus. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the DRC has recorded 7,672 confirmed cases and 3,699 related deaths as of September 20. The ECDC reported that 886 patients were hospitalised in isolation, representing an increase of 58 confirmed cases and 23 deaths from the previous report.
The ECDC has continued to monitor the outbreak and deployed two epidemiologists to the DRC to strengthen surveillance and support the overall outbreak response. The agency noted that there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for disease caused by Bundibugyo virus. The situation in the DRC remains a public health concern, with ongoing transmission and a high risk of further spread.
Nigeria had previously intensified its preparedness for the outbreak, with the NCDC assessing the risk of importation into Nigeria as high due to ongoing regional transmission, international travel, and population movement. The latest advisory reinforces Nigeria's surveillance and preparedness measures as the DRC continues to respond to the outbreak. The NCDC is taking a proactive approach to mitigate the risk of importation into Nigeria.
The NCDC is urging anyone who develops symptoms consistent with EVD to promptly seek medical attention and provide relevant information about recent travel or possible exposure to the virus. The Centre's efforts aim to ensure that Nigeria is prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an outbreak. The public is advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
Key points
- Nigeria has been placed on high alert due to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.
- Travellers arriving from countries with active EVD transmission are required to complete the Health Declaration Form.
- The NCDC is working closely with stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive response to the outbreak.
