Nigeria has strengthened health surveillance and screening measures at land borders, airports and seaports following the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease in Central Africa.
According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria. However, authorities have activated nationwide preparedness measures to prevent cross-border transmission and protect public health.
The announcement, reported by Channels Television, follows growing concerns over the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda.
The ministry said enhanced screening procedures have been introduced at designated points of entry across the country. These include mandatory temperature checks using infrared thermal scanners and handheld thermometers, health declaration forms, travel history assessments and intensified risk profiling for incoming travellers.
Travellers identified as high-risk or displaying symptoms associated with Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers will undergo secondary screening, isolation and referral procedures.
“The ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is presently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria,” the statement said, while stressing that preparedness measures had been heightened nationwide.
Authorities have also strengthened surveillance systems through enhanced Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response activities, community-based monitoring networks and active tracking of public health alerts.
Public Health Emergency Operations Centres have been activated, while Rapid Response Teams at national and state levels have been placed on standby to respond swiftly to any suspected outbreak.
Healthcare facilities have been directed to strengthen infection prevention and control measures, improve triage systems and promptly isolate and report suspected cases.
The ministry urged Nigerians to remain calm, describing the measures as precautionary. Citizens were advised to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and report unusual illnesses or deaths to health authorities.
The latest figures from the World Health Organization show that 321 confirmed Ebola cases and 48 deaths have been recorded in the DRC. In Uganda, nine confirmed cases, including one death, have been reported.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said many suspected cases were later ruled out after testing showed patients had other illnesses with similar symptoms.
The outbreak was officially declared on May 15 in Ituri Province in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
