Ebola: NCDC to screen travellers from affected countries

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola Virus Disease transmission may be required to complete health declaration forms as part of measures to prevent the importation and spread of the disease.

The NCDC disclosed this in an interim public health advisory issued on Tuesday, amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The advisory, signed by the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said the measure followed an assessment of the evolving epidemiological situation and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The agency said, “Travellers from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission may be required to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures.”

It, however, clarified that passengers arriving from other countries were currently exempt from completing the form.

“Passengers from all other countries are exempt from completing the form, at this time,” the NCDC stated.

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The agency also urged members of the public to remain vigilant for symptoms consistent with Ebola and seek medical attention promptly where necessary.

“The general public is encouraged to remain vigilant, particularly for symptoms consistent with EVD, and to promptly seek medical attention and report relevant travel or exposure history where applicable,” it said.

The NCDC said Nigeria remained on high alert, adding that preparedness activities were ongoing.

It added that the measures would continue to be reviewed in line with changes in the epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment.

The NCDC said it remained committed to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to public health threats.

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