Nigeria’s medical scientists have raised serious concerns over the growing threat of Ebola entering the country following fresh outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC and Uganda. The experts warned that unless urgent preventive measures are activated Nigeria could face another major public health emergency.
The warning was issued by the Academy of Medical Sciences Nigeria which called on the federal government to strengthen border surveillance and place all health institutions nationwide on high alert. According to the Academy increased regional travel trade and movement across African borders have made Nigeria vulnerable to cross border transmission of the deadly virus.
In a public health advisory signed by the Chairman of the Rapid Response Committee Prof Obinna Onwujekwe and the Academy President Emeritus Prof Osato Giwa Osagie the experts stressed that Nigeria must not become complacent because of its successful containment of Ebola in 2014.
The Academy described Ebola as a severe and often fatal viral disease capable of causing widespread health economic and social disruption if not quickly controlled. The scientists urged authorities to immediately strengthen monitoring at airports seaports and land borders especially for travellers arriving from affected countries.
They recommended temperature screening digital travel surveillance systems emergency isolation centres and exposure history assessments at all entry points into the country. The experts also advised the immediate activation of the National Ebola Incident Management System involving the Federal Ministry of Health the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC port health authorities and state governments.
In addition health institutions across Nigeria were urged to elish Ebola ready treatment zones and ensure healthcare workers receive adequate protective equipment infection prevention training and emergency response support.
The scientists warned that healthcare workers remain among the most vulnerable during outbreaks and stressed the importance of rapid response systems to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.
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