The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has intensified nationwide surveillance and response measures to prevent the possible entry of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus into Nigeria following reported outbreaks in parts of East and Central Africa.
The Ministry, however, reassured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) anywhere in the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the Ministry said it had activated heightened preparedness measures across the country as part of efforts to safeguard public health and strengthen national health security.
According to the statement, the government has reinforced surveillance systems and strengthened health protocols at the nation’s borders to prevent cross-border transmission of the disease.
“The Ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is presently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria,” the statement noted.
Despite the absence of confirmed infections, authorities said precautionary measures have been intensified nationwide to ensure early detection and rapid response should any suspected case emerge.
As part of the preparedness strategy, the Ministry has published official advisories, technical guidance documents and response protocols on its website to support public awareness, stakeholder engagement and institutional compliance.
Among the measures introduced are enhanced border screening procedures, including mandatory temperature checks for arriving travellers using infrared thermal scanners and handheld thermometers. Inbound passengers are also required to complete Health Declaration Forms and provide travel history information for risk assessment purposes.
The Ministry stated that additional screening procedures have been implemented at designated points of entry, while suspected cases will undergo secondary screening and isolation where necessary. It added that border and immigration agencies are working closely with health authorities to strengthen disease surveillance.
To boost early detection capabilities, the Ministry said it has expanded Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) activities across the country, while community-based and event-based surveillance systems have also been strengthened.
Health authorities are actively monitoring public health alerts, investigating reported cases and rumours, and conducting continuous epidemiological risk assessments to evaluate potential threats.
The Ministry further disclosed that emergency response mechanisms have been activated, including the coordination of Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs) and the deployment readiness of Rapid Response Teams at both national and sub-national levels.
In healthcare facilities nationwide, infection prevention and control measures have been reinforced, while healthcare workers, surveillance officers and frontline personnel continue to receive preparedness and response training.
Hospitals and clinics have also been directed to remain vigilant, maintain effective triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases and adhere strictly to established reporting procedures for viral haemorrhagic fevers.
The Ministry urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and rely only on updates from recognised public health authorities.
Citizens were also advised to maintain proper hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, avoiding contact with bodily fluids of individuals showing symptoms of illness and refraining from consuming bushmeat obtained from unknown sources.
The Ministry assured the public that it will continue monitoring developments and provide timely updates as necessary, while all Ebola preparedness and response documents remain accessible through its official channels.
