Precious Nwonu, Enugu

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has introduced enhanced surveillance measures for travellers arriving in Nigeria from countries affected by Ebola Virus Disease.

The agency said passengers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission may be required to complete a health declaration form as part of efforts to prevent the disease from being imported into the country.

The NCDC disclosed this in an interim public health advisory issued on Tuesday following the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The advisory, signed by the agency’s Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said the measures were introduced after an assessment of the evolving situation and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

According to the agency, affected travellers may be required to provide health and travel information through the Health Declaration Form to support surveillance and follow-up.

However, the NCDC clarified that travellers arriving from countries without active or relevant Ebola transmission are not currently required to complete the form.

The agency also urged Nigerians and other residents to remain alert to symptoms associated with Ebola and seek medical attention promptly if such symptoms occur.

It advised individuals with relevant travel or exposure history to disclose such information when seeking medical care.

The NCDC said Nigeria remained on high alert and that preparedness and response activities were ongoing to protect the country against the possible importation and spread of the disease.

It added that the measures would be reviewed regularly based on developments in the Ebola outbreak and the outcome of ongoing public health risk assessments.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians through surveillance, preparedness and evidence-based response to emerging public health threats.