The Federal Government has heightened nationwide preparedness measures against the possible introduction of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease (BEBOV), reinforcing surveillance systems, border health protocols, and emergency response mechanisms across the country.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced on Tuesday that although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, proactive measures have been activated to safeguard public health following reported outbreaks of the disease in parts of East and Central Africa.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the ministry reassured Nigerians that the country remains Ebola-free but stressed the need for vigilance and preparedness to prevent cross-border transmission.
As part of the strengthened response strategy, the ministry said official preparedness protocols, advisories, and technical guidance documents have been published on its website to support public awareness, stakeholder engagement, and institutional compliance.
The ministry disclosed that enhanced border health measures are currently operational at designated Points of Entry, including airports, seaports, and land borders. These measures include temperature screening of arriving travelers using infrared thermal scanners, mandatory health declaration forms, travel history assessments, and enhanced risk-based screening procedures.
It added that secondary screening, isolation, and referral mechanisms have also been put in place for travelers exhibiting symptoms associated with viral haemorrhagic fevers, while collaboration with immigration, aviation, maritime, and border management agencies has been strengthened.
On surveillance and disease monitoring, the ministry said Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) activities have been intensified nationwide alongside strengthened community-based and event-based surveillance systems. Authorities are also actively monitoring and investigating public health alerts and rumours while conducting continuous epidemiological risk assessments.
To boost response readiness, the ministry said laboratory biosafety and biosecurity protocols have been reinforced, specimen collection and transportation systems upgraded, and Public Health Emergency Operations Centres activated for effective coordination.
Rapid Response Teams at national and sub-national levels have also been placed on standby, while healthcare workers, surveillance officers, and frontline personnel continue to receive preparedness and infection prevention training.
The ministry further directed healthcare facilities nationwide to maintain a high level of vigilance by strengthening triage systems, promptly isolating suspected cases, and adhering strictly to established reporting protocols.
While urging Nigerians to remain calm, the ministry cautioned against the spread of misinformation and advised citizens to rely only on updates from recognized public health authorities.
Members of the public were encouraged to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic persons, refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths to the nearest health facility.
The ministry assured Nigerians that it would continue to closely monitor developments and provide timely updates as necessary. It also noted that all Ebola preparedness advisories, protocols, and technical guidance documents are available on its official website.
