Nigeria is stepping up preparedness against Ebola following confirmation of an imported case of the Bundibugyo virus in Kenya, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has said.
The case was linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising concerns over possible international importation through travel and population movement.
The NCDC stressed that no case has been confirmed in Nigeria as of October 6, urging Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant.
The agency said it is reviewing surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing and infection prevention measures to respond to any potential threat.
Healthcare workers were urged to maintain a high index of suspicion, while travellers from affected areas were advised to monitor their health for 21 days and report symptoms or possible exposure promptly.
The NCDC also advised Nigerians to maintain good hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of sick people.
The agency said it would continue monitoring developments in Kenya and the DRC while strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness.
