The Federal Government has activated heightened Ebola preparedness measures across Nigeria amid growing concerns over the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in parts of East and Central Africa.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while assuring Nigerians that no Ebola case has been recorded in the country, said authorities are taking proactive steps to prevent the virus from crossing into Nigeria through international travel and trade routes.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said the strengthened measures are part of a broader national strategy to safeguard public health and reinforce the country’s disease detection and emergency response systems.
To bolster prevention efforts, health authorities have intensified screening procedures at airports, seaports and land borders, introducing stricter monitoring of incoming travellers through temperature checks, health declaration requirements and travel history assessments.
Officials said travellers showing symptoms associated with viral haemorrhagic fevers would undergo additional screening and, where necessary, be isolated and referred for further medical evaluation.
The ministry also disclosed that disease surveillance activities have been expanded nationwide, with health authorities increasing monitoring efforts in communities and health facilities to ensure early detection of any suspected case.
According to the statement, surveillance teams have been directed to actively investigate public health alerts, unusual illnesses and rumours that may signal a potential outbreak, while continuous risk assessments are being conducted in collaboration with international health partners.
As part of emergency preparedness plans, laboratories and response teams across the country have been placed on alert, with systems strengthened for the safe collection, transportation and testing of specimens linked to viral haemorrhagic diseases.
The ministry added that Public Health Emergency Operations Centres and Rapid Response Teams at both national and state levels remain ready for immediate deployment should the need arise.
Healthcare workers and frontline personnel are also undergoing continuous sensitisation and preparedness training, while hospitals have been directed to strengthen triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases and strictly comply with disease reporting protocols.
Seeking to calm public anxiety, the ministry emphasized that there is currently no confirmed Ebola infection in Nigeria and urged citizens to disregard misinformation circulating on social media and other unofficial channels.
It advised Nigerians to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals, refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and promptly report unusual illnesses or unexplained deaths to health authorities.
The ministry said it would continue to monitor the regional situation closely and adjust its response measures as necessary to protect the country from any potential Ebola threat.
Official Ebola preparedness guidelines, advisories and technical documents have been made available on the ministry’s website for public access and stakeholder compliance.
