The Federal Government will intensify surveillance at Nigeria’s borders with growing concerns over reports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) of a new Ebola outbreak. The move comes amid cross-border health threats and the need to prevent a repeat of past scares.
Health authorities in DRC confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Zaire strain re-appearing in Kasai Province. As at September 5, 2022, there are at least 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths, including four health workers. The outbreak is worrisome, especially because the outbreak was in Kasai, where it had already experienced deadly episodes in 2007 and 2008.
As a result of this outbreak, the Nigeria Ministry of Health has instructed a vigorous outbreak response from all entry points into Nigeria. Airports, seaports, and land border points will now undergo increased screening, with additional checks for travelers from the DRC and whoever transited through the DRC. These public health measures will involve enhanced medical screening processes for travelers, and new health declarations for all international travelers.
The Port Health Services Department has strengthened its border health responses by deploying commensurate officials across the entry points. The thermal scanners at international airport entry points, came alive with the assistance of private sector partners in providing the necessary upgrades and servicing for public health use so that travelers exhibiting possible symptoms can be evaluated and followed up in a timely manner.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has responded to the outbreak by releasing $500,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies funding to DRC. This money is to enable DRC to send its field teams to assist in the field, personal protective equipment (PPE), mobile diagnostic laboratories, and WHO’s assistance to contain the spread of the virus through contact tracing.
Health experts in Nigeria have welcomed the Nigeria government’s proactive actions but cautioned that diligence and vigilance are part of ongoing or long term work. A professor of microbiology said coordination amongst health institutions should be tracked, even as they account for some recent laboratory investments upgrades in Lagos state.
Virologists said there should be strict compliance with the screening process given the risk; there should also be a focus on educating the population to understand that if they had fever, weakness, or oozing bleeding, etc., they should report to the hospital immediately.
The government is acting early because to avoid similar fear and panic associated with previous outbreaks across West Africa. So, all the concerned institutions are better prepared with improved systems in place to respond to events like this while ensuring collaborative efforts with the WHO and other public/private health agencies.