The federal government has stepped up measures to prepare for any possible spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease. This strain has been reported in parts of East and Central Africa.
Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, shared this news in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. He said these measures aim to boost Nigeria’s health security and stop the cross-border spread of infectious diseases.
Mr Bako assured that there are no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. “However, in line with the federal government’s commitment to strengthening national health security and preventing cross-border disease transmission, heightened preparedness measures have been activated nationwide,” he explained.
To support public awareness and ensure compliance, the Ministry has uploaded official preparedness protocols, advisories, and technical guidance documents on its website. This is part of ongoing efforts to keep the public informed.
Strict border control and Point of Entry protocols are now in place across the country. This is to improve surveillance and quickly detect any suspected cases. Mr Bako highlighted that measures include universal temperature checks using infrared thermal scanners and handheld thermometers.
Arriving passengers must fill out mandatory health declaration forms and provide their travel history. Enhanced risk assessments for travelers, secondary screening, and isolation procedures for anyone showing symptoms are also part of the new measures.
Coordination with border management agencies has been strengthened to ensure a quick response if needed. Surveillance activities have also been ramped up through the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system. Community-based and event-based monitoring systems are now more active across the country.
Public health authorities are busy monitoring, verifying, and investigating alerts and rumors. They are also conducting ongoing national risk assessments and epidemiological surveillance to stay ahead of any potential outbreak.
Mr Bako mentioned that laboratory readiness has been improved, including specimen collection and transport systems for viral hemorrhagic diseases. This will help ensure fast diagnosis and response when necessary.
Public Health Emergency Operation Centres are on alert. Rapid Response Teams at both national and local levels are ready to spring into action if needed. Infection prevention and control measures in health facilities have also been strengthened.
Ongoing training and sensitization programs for healthcare workers and frontline personnel are taking place. Healthcare facilities have been told to be vigilant for viral hemorrhagic fevers and to isolate any suspected cases quickly.
Mr Bako directed health institutions to follow established reporting protocols strictly. This is to ensure a quick response and containment if any suspected case appears.
He urged Nigerians to stay calm and avoid spreading misinformation or unverified rumors. They should only rely on official information from recognized public health authorities.
He also advised the public to practice regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of anyone showing symptoms, and report any unusual illnesses or deaths immediately.
Mr Bako cautioned against handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources. Such actions could pose risks to public health and require careful attention.
The ministry will keep monitoring the situation and provide updates as needed. All Ebola preparedness advisories and technical guidance can be found on the ministry’s website: www.health.gov.ng.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigeria has successfully dealt with previous Ebola outbreaks through quick surveillance, contact tracing, and coordinated emergency responses. This has earned the country global recognition for its efforts in disease containment.
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