Ebola Alert: NCDC Places Nigeria on High Alert, Urges Parents to Watch Children Closely
Nigeria has been placed on high alert following the ongoing Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with health authorities urging families to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if illness develops.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) issued a health advisory on September 23 after reviewing the situation in the DRC and consulting public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The agency said preparations are ongoing to strengthen Nigeria’s surveillance and response measures as the outbreak develops.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to pay close attention to children’s health, especially when travelling or when there has been possible exposure to someone from an area experiencing Ebola transmission. The NCDC advised people to report relevant travel or exposure history when seeking medical care.
Travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission are required to complete a Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced surveillance. Passengers from other countries are currently exempt.
The DRC reported 7,672 confirmed cases and 3,699 related deaths as of September 20, based on data through September 19. A total of 886 patients were hospitalised in isolation, while 1,879 people who tested positive for Bundibugyo virus had recovered.
The NCDC said the situation remains under continuous assessment and that measures will be reviewed as new information emerges.
For parents, the health agency’s message is clear: stay informed, watch for symptoms, avoid unnecessary exposure risks and seek medical attention promptly when a child becomes unwell.
