The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed Nigeria on “high alert” following the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Centre, in a health advisory signed by its Director-General, Jide Idris, said all necessary preparatory activities were ongoing to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness to respond to any potential threat.

According to the NCDC, the measures would continue to be reviewed based on the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment.

The Centre also advised travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures.

“Passengers from all other countries are exempted from completing the form at this time,” the advisory stated.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, particularly for symptoms associated with EVD, and to promptly seek medical attention where necessary.

It also advised individuals to disclose relevant travel or exposure history to health authorities when applicable.

The Centre said the advisory followed a dynamic risk assessment and consultations with relevant public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to public health threats.

Meanwhile, the DRC reported a total of 7,672 confirmed cases and 3,699 deaths as of September 20, based on data available up to September 19.

The report also showed that 886 patients were hospitalised in isolation, with 58 new confirmed cases and 23 deaths recorded since the previous report on September 19.

The new cases were reported in Ituri with 38 cases, North Kivu with 14, Haut-Uélé with five and Tshopo with one.

A total of 1,879 people who tested positive for the Bundibugyo virus have reportedly recovered, while 79.9 per cent of identified contacts are currently under follow-up in the affected provinces.

Since the previous ECDC report of September 18, a further 197 confirmed cases and 94 deaths have been reported.