The Federal Government is not taking chances after news broke of a fresh Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With over 28 suspected cases and 15 lives already lost, including health workers, Nigerian authorities have tightened health checks at airports, seaports, and land borders.
Dr. Akpan Nse, Director of Port Health Services at the Ministry of Health, explained that every traveller coming from or transiting through Congo will now undergo strict screening. From medical history forms to temperature checks, no passenger will be waved through without clearance.
To boost the effort, more health officers have been deployed across the country, with support from the World Health Organization. The goal is simple—stop Ebola from entering Nigeria.
For context, the outbreak in Congo has been confirmed as Ebola Zaire, the deadliest strain of the virus. Patients in Kasai Province are presenting severe symptoms like fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and bleeding. Authorities fear the situation could worsen if not contained quickly.
Nigeria, still bearing the memory of the 2014 Ebola scare, is moving early this time. The message from health officials is clear: vigilance at the borders could make the difference between safety and another deadly outbreak.
