NCDC raises Ebola alert as Nigeria braces for possible outbreak

NCDC raises Ebola alert as Nigeria braces for possible outbreak

The NCDC has intensified surveillance and emergency response measures nationwide over fears of a possible Ebola outbreak linked to cases in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nigeria has intensified nationwide surveillance and emergency preparedness measures against Ebola Virus Disease following renewed outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said on Saturday.

In a public health advisory, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris warned that although no case has been confirmed in Nigeria, the risk of importation remains high due to international travel and cross-border movement.

“This assessment estimated the risk of Ebola importation into Nigeria as high,” the agency stated.

The NCDC said the National Emergency Operations Centre had been placed on alert mode, while Rapid Response Teams and epidemiologists were on standby for possible deployment nationwide.

The agency added that surveillance had been intensified at border communities, transport hubs and points of entry, while healthcare workers were undergoing refresher training on infection prevention and case detection.

The NCDC also warned against misinformation and urged Nigerians to maintain hygiene and promptly report suspected symptoms.

READ MORE AT PUNCH.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top