By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said it will screen travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola Virus Disease transmission.
The Centre said travellers may be required to complete health declaration forms as part of measures to prevent the importation and spread of the disease into the country.
The NCDC disclosed this in an interim public health advisory issued on Tuesday, September 23, and posted on its official X account, amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The advisory, signed by the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said the measure followed an assessment of the evolving epidemiological situation and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
It, however, clarified that passengers arriving from other countries were currently exempt from completing the form.
“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. Passengers from all other countries are exempt from completing the forms at the time,” the advisory read.
The agency also urged members of the public to remain vigilant for symptoms consistent with Ebola and seek medical attention promptly where necessary.
“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 NCDC added.
ALSO READ: WHO says Nigeria faces low risk of Ebola outbreak compared to some West African countries
The NCDC said Nigeria remained on high alert, adding that preparedness activities were ongoing.
It added that the measures would continue to be reviewed in line with changes in the epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment.
The NCDC said it remained committed to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to public health threats.
