The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has placed the country on high alert following the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that some international travellers arriving in Nigeria may now be required to complete health declaration forms as part of enhanced surveillance measures.
New Travel Requirements for International Passengers
According to an interim public health advisory released on Tuesday and signed by the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, the requirement will only apply to travellers arriving from countries where there is active or relevant Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission. The NCDC clarified that passengers from all other countries are currently exempt from completing the form.
“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,” the advisory stated. The agency also noted that “passengers from all other countries are exempt from completing the form, at this time.”
Advisory Based on Risk Assessment
The advisory followed an assessment of the current outbreak in DR Congo, alongside consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The NCDC said the decision is part of efforts to stop Ebola from entering Nigeria.
The agency urged Nigerians to stay alert for symptoms associated with Ebola, especially if they have recently travelled or had contact with someone who may have been exposed. “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,” the advisory added.
Preparedness and Historical Context
The NCDC added that Nigeria remains on high alert and is continuing preparedness activities across the country. It also noted that the measures could change depending on how the outbreak develops and future public health risk assessments. The agency stated, “The NCDC remains committed to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to public health threats.”
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often deadly illness caused by the Ebola virus. It spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include sudden fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
Nigeria successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 after recording 20 confirmed cases and eight deaths, a response that has since been recognised globally as one of the country's biggest public health successes.
