Nigeria has maintained a state of high alert and is actively carrying out preparedness operations to guard against public health threats, according to an interim public health advisory issued on Tuesday.
The advisory comes in response to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, explained that the steps taken follow consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
As part of the agency’s effort to prevent the importation and spread of the virus, inbound passengers from specific areas may face additional screening protocols upon arrival.
“Travellers from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission may be required to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures,” the NCDC stated.
Conversely, the agency noted that individuals travelling from areas without active transmission will not be subjected to the requirement.
“Passengers from all other countries are exempt from completing the form, at this time,” the NCDC confirmed.
Beyond border surveillance, health officials are appealing directly to citizens to remain watchful for any potential signs of infection.
“The general public is encouraged to remain vigilant, particularly for symptoms consistent with EVD, and to promptly seek medical attention and report relevant travel or exposure history where applicable,” the statement added.
The NCDC stressed its ongoing commitment to protecting the nation through evidence-based surveillance, response measures, and preparedness, noting that all public health protocols will be continually updated to reflect any shifts in the disease assessment.