HEALTH Diseases

Nigeria Government Creates Measures Against BEBOV

by admin on | 2026-06-03 14:21:30

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Nigeria Government Creates Measures Against BEBOV

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama, Abuja

The Nigerian Government has heightened national preparedness measures against the possible introduction of Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease (BEBOV) into the country, following reports of outbreaks in parts of East and Central Africa.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while reassuring Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country, said proactive measures have been activated nationwide to strengthen health security and prevent cross-border transmission of the disease.

The Ministry disclosed this in a statement signed by the Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the government has strengthened surveillance systems, border health protocols, laboratory readiness, and emergency response mechanisms as part of efforts to detect and contain any potential threat.

“The Ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is presently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. However, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national health security and preventing cross-border disease transmission, heightened preparedness measures have been activated nationwide,” the statement said.

The Ministry explained that strict border control measures are now operational at designated Points of Entry. These include temperature screening of arriving passengers, mandatory health declaration forms, travel history assessments, enhanced risk screening procedures, and isolation protocols for travellers exhibiting symptoms associated with viral haemorrhagic fevers.

It added that surveillance activities have been intensified across the country through strengthened Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response systems, active monitoring of public health alerts, community-based surveillance, and continuous epidemiological risk assessments in collaboration with regional and international health partners.

The statement further noted that laboratory biosafety protocols, specimen transportation systems, Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, and Rapid Response Teams have been placed on heightened readiness, while healthcare workers and frontline personnel are undergoing continuous sensitisation and preparedness training.

The Ministry also directed healthcare facilities nationwide to maintain a high index of suspicion for viral haemorrhagic fevers, strengthen triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases, and strictly comply with established disease reporting procedures.

While urging Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation, the Ministry advised the public to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths to the nearest health authority.

“The Ministry will continue to closely monitor developments and provide timely updates as necessary,” the statement added.