The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed 10 states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on heightened alert following concerns over a possible importation of the Ebola virus into the country.
The agency said the move followed a recent risk assessment that classified Nigeria’s likelihood of importing the deadly Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as “high.”
In a public health advisory issued to commissioners of health across the country, the NCDC directed states to strengthen surveillance systems, improve infection prevention measures, and ensure the readiness of isolation and treatment facilities.
“The risk of Ebola importation into Nigeria has been assessed as high due to ongoing outbreaks in parts of East and Central Africa and increased cross-border movement,” the agency stated.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the worsening Ebola situation in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has prompted increased international attention.
Although no confirmed Ebola case has been reported in Nigeria, the NCDC stressed that the country must remain vigilant.
“While Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, all states are expected to maintain a high level of preparedness and readiness to detect and respond to any suspected case promptly,” the advisory noted.
According to data from the affected regions, the outbreak has resulted in 1,077 suspected cases and 247 deaths, representing a fatality rate of 24.6 percent.
The NCDC identified Lagos, the FCT, Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa as the states facing the highest risk because of their international airports, seaports, and major border crossings.
“The identified high-risk states should urgently strengthen diagnostic capacity, establish dedicated isolation facilities, and intensify surveillance at points of entry,” the agency said.
The NCDC further urged health workers and border authorities to remain alert and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of the virus entering the country.
“The cooperation of healthcare facilities, border officials, and state governments is critical to preventing the introduction and spread of Ebola in Nigeria,” the agency added.
Health authorities have assured Nigerians that preparedness measures are being intensified nationwide and that there is currently no confirmed Ebola outbreak in the country.