The Federal government has intensified border screening, disease surveillance and emergency response measures nationwide as part of efforts to prevent the possible importation of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), currently circulating in parts of East and Central Africa.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in a statement on Tuesday by its Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, said it has activated enhanced preparedness protocols across the country, including stricter screening procedures at airports, seaports and land borders.

According to the Ministry, arriving travellers are now subject to temperature checks using infrared thermal scanners and handheld thermometers, while health declaration forms, travel history assessments and risk-based screening procedures are being reinforced at designated points of entry.

The Ministry also disclosed that isolation, secondary screening and referral mechanisms have been strengthened for travellers showing symptoms consistent with viral haemorrhagic fevers.

It added that coordination has been expanded among immigration, aviation, maritime and border management agencies to improve early detection and response.

The heightened measures have become imperative following reports of outbreaks of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease in parts of the East and Central African region, raising concerns about the risk of cross-border transmission.

Despite the alert, the Ministry reassured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country.

As part of surveillance efforts, the Ministry said Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) activities have been strengthened nationwide, alongside expanded community-based and event-based surveillance systems.

It said public health alerts and rumours are being actively monitored and investigated, while continuous epidemiological assessments are being conducted in collaboration with regional and international health partners.

To boost emergency response readiness, the Ministry said specimen collection and transportation systems for viral haemorrhagic diseases have been enhanced, while laboratory biosafety and biosecurity measures are being reinforced.

Public Health Emergency Operations Centres have also been placed on alert, with Rapid Response Teams at national and sub-national levels ready for deployment if necessary.

Healthcare facilities have been directed to maintain a high index of suspicion for viral haemorrhagic fevers, strengthen triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases and comply with established reporting procedures.

The Ministry added that healthcare workers, surveillance officers and other frontline personnel are undergoing continuous preparedness training, while infection prevention and control measures are being reinforced in health facilities nationwide.

It urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid misinformation and rely only on information from recognised public health authorities.

Members of the public were advised to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid 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 authority.

The Ministry assured it would continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as necessary. (The Nation)

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