FG Intensifies Border Surveillance Over Ebola

A health worker measures the temperature of a patient suspected of Ebola as she is transported by motorcycle taxi to Rwampara Hospital in Ituri, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on 26 May 2026. (Photo: Glody Murhabazi/AFP)

The Federal Government has strengthened health screening and surveillance measures at Nigeria’s land borders, airports, and seaports following the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in parts of Central Africa.

According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the decision comes amid growing regional concern over confirmed and suspected cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with reports indicating hundreds of infections and multiple fatalities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Uganda. 

The government, however, confirmed that no case of Ebola has been recorded in Nigeria.

The ministry said precautionary measures have been activated nationwide to prevent cross-border transmission. These include enhanced traveller risk assessment, mandatory temperature checks using infrared scanners and thermometers, health declaration forms, and detailed travel history evaluations at all entry points.

It added that passengers identified as high-risk or showing symptoms consistent with viral haemorrhagic fevers would undergo secondary screening, isolation, and referral procedures, stressing that the measures are designed to ensure early detection and rapid response.

Health workers inside a newly established Ebola treatment centre in Bunia, in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on 31 May 2026.

The government further disclosed that Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response systems have been reinforced nationwide, alongside community-based monitoring networks and emergency preparedness structures, including Public Health Emergency Operations Centres and Rapid Response Teams placed on standby.

Healthcare facilities have also been directed to strengthen infection prevention and control measures, improve triage systems, and ensure immediate reporting of suspected cases. 

The ministry urged Nigerians to remain calm, maintain proper hygiene practices, avoid contact with bodily fluids of infected persons, and steer clear of bushmeat or animals of unknown origin.

Reassuring the public, the ministry said: “There is presently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.” It added that all measures in place are preventive and aimed at safeguarding national health security.

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#Ebola #HealthSecurity #Nigeria #FG #WHO #BorderControl #PublicHealth #HealthSurveillance