Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare ordered agencies and health institutions to enforce Ebola entry rules at designated points after a national security office raised concerns about reported noncompliance.
The ministry said an Oct. 22 circular, signed by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom S. for Coordinating Minister Muhammad Ali Pate, directs stakeholders to screen travelers, collect health declarations and maintain surveillance. It also calls for coordination and information-sharing, and asks agencies to report attempted as well as completed breaches. The ministry has not described the cited lapses or named locations where they allegedly occurred.
The ministry said the measures are intended to reduce cross-border transmission risks and protect public health and national security.
Nigeria confirmed one Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on Oct. 20. The patient had arrived on an international flight from Uganda, the health ministry said. The World Health Organization (WHO) said the patient developed symptoms on Oct. 7, sought care on Oct. 11 and tested positive for Bundibugyo virus on Oct. 20. WHO said 44 contacts were being monitored while investigators examined the likely source of infection and the patient’s travel and exposure history.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WHO reported 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths as of Oct. 20. The outbreak was declared on May 15. WHO said regional authorities should prepare for potential spread and maintain surveillance at entry points.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health said on Oct. 20 it would strengthen entry screening after Nigeria confirmed the case, as covered in an earlier story on Uganda’s screening plan.
