By Mercy Gadia
The Federal Government has intensified preparedness and surveillance measures across the country following reports of Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease (BEBOV) in parts of East and Central Africa.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in a statement, said the move was part of efforts to prevent any possible cross-border transmission into Nigeria.
It, however, assured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has intensified national preparedness and response measures to safeguard Nigeria against the possible introduction of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease (BEBOV),” the statement read.
It added that: “There is presently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. However, heightened preparedness measures have been activated nationwide.”
According to the Ministry, preparedness protocols, advisories and technical guidance documents have been deployed via its official website to support awareness and readiness.
As part of the measures, the government said strict border health controls have been activated at all points of entry, including airports, seaports and land borders.
These include temperature screening, mandatory health declaration forms, travel history checks, and enhanced risk assessment for inbound travellers.
Secondary screening, isolation and referral mechanisms have also been put in place for suspected cases showing symptoms consistent with viral haemorrhagic fevers.
The Ministry said surveillance systems have been strengthened through the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework, alongside community monitoring and alert verification mechanisms.
It added that laboratory systems, biosafety protocols, Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs), and rapid response teams have been activated nationwide.
Healthcare facilities were also directed to maintain high suspicion for viral haemorrhagic fevers, strengthen triage systems and ensure prompt isolation of suspected cases.
The Ministry urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid misinformation and rely only on official public health updates.
It also advised the public to maintain hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, and refrain from consuming bushmeat from unknown sources.
“Members of the public are advised to promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths to the nearest health facility,” it added.
The statement was signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.