The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed Nigeria on high alert following an update on the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, disclosed this in a health advisory, stating that preparatory activities were ongoing to strengthen the country’s readiness to respond to any potential threat.
The agency advised travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures.
However, passengers arriving from all other countries are currently exempt from completing the form.
The NCDC also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly for symptoms consistent with EVD, and to promptly seek medical attention when necessary.
It further advised individuals to provide relevant travel and exposure history to health officials where applicable.
According to the Centre, the advisory followed a dynamic risk assessment and consultations with relevant public health experts as well as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The NCDC said it remained committed to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to public health threats.
Meanwhile, the DRC reported a total of 7,672 confirmed cases and 3,699 related deaths as of September 20, based on data up to September 19.
A total of 886 patients were hospitalised in isolation, representing an increase of 58 confirmed cases and 23 deaths from the previous report issued on September 19, which covered data up to September 18.
The 58 newly confirmed cases were reported in Ituri, which recorded 38 cases; North Kivu, 14 cases; Haut-Uélé, five cases; and Tshopo, one case.
Among those who tested positive for the Bundibugyo virus, 1,879 people have recovered.
Overall, 79.9 percent of identified case contacts in the affected provinces are currently under follow-up.
Since the previous European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report of September 18, the DRC has recorded 197 additional confirmed cases and 94 deaths.
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