WorldStage– The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the nation on high alert following the latest public health update regarding the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In an official public health advisory released on Wednesday, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris disclosed that all national preparatory activities have been intensified to mitigate any potential threat of importation into Nigeria.
The move follows a critical risk evaluation of the continuing EVD outbreak in the DRC, which involves the Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain.
According to the statement signed by Dr. Idris, the emergency response measures will undergo continuous reviews to match the evolving epidemiological situation and regional public health risk assessments.
As part of the newly enhanced public health surveillance strategy, the NCDC has mandated that travelers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission must fully complete the official Health Declaration Form prior to entry.
Passengers arriving from unaffected regions remain temporarily exempted from this specific requirement.
The agency reassured citizens that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease within Nigeria’s borders.
However, health authorities emphasize that the country’s population of over 200 million and frequent international transport hubs make it highly vulnerable to potential cross-border transmissions.
High-traffic entry points across major hubs—including Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja—are undergoing rigorous monitoring, with border screening protocols being tightened significantly.
The NCDC continues to collaborate with border authorities, international partners, and state ministries of health to maintain laboratory diagnostics and ensure isolation facilities are ready for rapid response.
Because early symptoms of Ebola closely mimic common regional diseases like malaria and Lassa fever, the agency warns that high vigilance is vital for early detection.
Members of the public are strongly advised to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified rumors, and adhere to strict personal hygiene protocols.
This includes frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding direct contact with the bodily fluids of sick individuals, and steering clear of raw or undercooked bushmeat.
The NCDC urged anyone exhibiting symptoms consistent with EVD—such as sudden fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding—to immediately contact public health channels or report to the nearest medical center
