The Federal Government has increased health screening measures at airports, seaports and land borders as concerns grow over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of East and Central Africa.
The move comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) revised the number of suspected Ebola cases in Central Africa to 116, down from more than 900 previously reported, while confirming 330 cases linked to the outbreak.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reassured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country.
However, the ministry said preparedness measures have been activated nationwide to prevent the disease from crossing into Nigeria.
“The ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is presently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.
“However, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national health security and preventing cross-border disease transmission, heightened preparedness measures have been activated nationwide,” the statement said.
As part of the measures, travelers identified as high-risk or showing symptoms associated with Ebola and other viral hemorrhagic fevers will undergo secondary screening, isolation and referral procedures.
The ministry said border surveillance has been strengthened, with health officials directed to intensify screening and risk assessment for all incoming travelers.
Authorities have also introduced mandatory temperature checks using infrared thermal scanners and handheld thermometers, health declaration forms, travel history assessments and enhanced risk profiling at designated points of entry.
According to the ministry, enhanced traveler screening procedures have been activated nationwide, alongside mechanisms for the isolation and referral of individuals displaying symptoms consistent with viral hemorrhagic fevers.
The latest measures signal a return to heightened vigilance similar to what was seen during the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond border screening, the government said surveillance systems have been reinforced through enhanced Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response activities, community-based surveillance networks and active monitoring of public health alerts.
The ministry added that Public Health Emergency Operations Centres have been activated, while Rapid Response Teams at both national and sub-national levels remain on standby.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities have also been directed to strengthen infection prevention and control measures, improve triage systems and promptly report suspected cases.
“Healthcare facilities nationwide have also been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for viral hemorrhagic fevers, strengthen triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases, and adhere strictly to established reporting protocols,” the ministry said.
While urging Nigerians not to panic, the ministry stressed that the measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring the country remains prepared for any potential outbreak.
It also advised citizens to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths to health authorities.
Meanwhile, WHO said as of May 31, 116 suspected Ebola cases had been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a significant reduction from the 906 suspected cases reported late last week.
The global health body said 321 cases have now been confirmed in the DRC, including 48 deaths, while neighboring Uganda has recorded nine confirmed cases and one death.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier explained that many previously listed suspected cases were later ruled out after testing showed patients were suffering from other illnesses with symptoms similar to Ebola.
The outbreak was officially declared on May 15 in Ituri Province, a conflict-affected region in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
