Nigeria, remains free from resurgent Ebola virus in Africa as federal government is committed to intensifying surveillance and emergency response efforts .
This follows the escalating outbreak of the virus in DR Congo and a reported case in Uganda.
The federal government in a statement by the National Orientation Agency, highlighted the concerted efforts made recently to, include the convening the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with relevant MDAs, of a National Cross-Border Surveillance Stakeholder Engagement to strengthen surveillance at a Points of Entry and address gaps in response to recent outbreaks.
Similarly, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has placed the aviation sector on high alert over the renewed outbreak, ordering stricter health surveillance and screening measures at international airports across the country to prevent the possible importation of the disease.
According to the statement, the NCDC in collaboration with Port Health Services
and other relevant agencies, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has activated additional health surveillance and screening measures across Nigeria’s international airports following the recent outbreaks.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria urges the Public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation ; practise regular hands, hygiene ; avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons ;void contact with dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources ; report unusual illnesses promptly to the nearest health facility, and get updates from official public health authorities.
By; Sam Erhunmwunsee, Radio Nigeria Asaba
