The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has put Nigeria on high alert over the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In a health advisory signed by its Director-General, Jide Idris, the agency said it was carrying out preparations to improve Nigeria’s readiness for any possible threat.
“These measures will continue to be reviewed in line with the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment.”
The NCDC also advised travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission to complete the Health Declaration Form for surveillance and follow-up. Travellers from other countries do not need to complete the form for now.
It urged Nigerians to stay alert to possible EVD symptoms, seek medical care quickly and provide travel or exposure details when needed.
The advisory followed a Dynamic Risk Assessment and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
As of September 20, the DRC had recorded 7,672 confirmed cases and 3,699 related deaths, based on data up to September 19. A total of 886 patients were in isolation, with 58 new cases and 23 more deaths reported.
The new cases were recorded in Ituri 38, North Kivu 14, Haut-Uélé five and Tshopo one. A total of 1,879 Bundibugyo virus patients have recovered, while 79.9% of identified contacts remain under follow-up.
