The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that travellers from countries with active or relevant Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission may be required to complete Health Declaration Forms as part of enhanced public health surveillance measures. The agency disclosed this in an interim public health advisory……
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that travellers from countries with active or relevant Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission may be required to complete Health Declaration Forms as part of enhanced public health surveillance measures.
The agency disclosed this in an interim public health advisory on the ongoing EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), issued by its Director General, Dr Jide Idris.
According to the NCDC, Nigeria, alongside other countries, had strengthened measures to prevent the importation and spread of the disease, including requiring identified passengers of public health interest to complete Health Declaration Forms.
The agency said the latest guidance followed an assessment of the evolving epidemiological situation and consultations with relevant public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“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 NCDC added that passengers arriving from other countries were currently exempt from completing the form.
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“Passengers from all other countries are exempt from completing the form, at this time.”
The agency urged members of the public to remain vigilant and pay attention to symptoms consistent with EVD, while advising those who develop relevant symptoms to promptly seek medical attention.
“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 NCDC said Nigeria remained on high alert, adding that preparatory activities were ongoing as authorities continued to monitor the situation.
“Nigeria remains on high alert, and all preparatory activities are ongoing. These measures will continue to be reviewed inline with the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment.”
The agency said it remained committed to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to public health threats.
The advisory was copied to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, State Ministries of Health, World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC.
