By Precious Mark
The Federal Government has tightened surveillance at all airports, seaports and land borders over fears of Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease spreading from East and Central Africa into Nigeria.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the move is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health security and prevent any cross-border transmission of the virus.
The Ministry reassured Nigerians that no confirmed case of Ebola virus disease has been recorded in the country.
According to the statement, the Federal Government has already activated preparedness protocols nationwide, while technical guidance documents, advisories, and response plans have been uploaded to the Ministry’s official website to support public awareness and institutional compliance.
These include universal temperature screening using infrared thermal scanners and handheld thermometers, mandatory completion of health declaration forms, and detailed travel history assessments for all incoming passengers.
Travellers suspected of showing symptoms consistent with viral haemorrhagic fevers are also subject to secondary screening, isolation, and referral procedures, in coordination with relevant border and security agencies.
The Ministry also noted that surveillance systems across the country have been enhanced under the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework.
This includes strengthened community-based surveillance, active monitoring and verification of alerts and rumours, continuous epidemiological risk assessment, and closer coordination with regional and international public health partners.
In addition, laboratory systems and emergency preparedness structures have been placed on high alert.
These include improved specimen collection and transportation systems, strengthened laboratory biosafety and biosecurity protocols, activation of Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs), and readiness deployment of Rapid Response Teams at both national and sub-national levels.
Infection prevention and control measures have also been reinforced across health facilities, alongside ongoing training and sensitisation of healthcare workers and frontline personnel.
Health facilities nationwide have been directed to maintain a high index of suspicion for viral haemorrhagic fevers, strengthen triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases, and ensure strict adherence to established reporting protocols.
The Ministry urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid panic, misinformation, and unverified rumours, stressing that only official updates from recognised health authorities should be relied upon.
It further advised the public to maintain proper hygiene practices, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, refrain from consuming bushmeat from unknown sources, and report any unusual illness or sudden death to the nearest health facility.