Nigeria boosts Ebola detection measures after East Africa outbreak

Nigeria's Centre for Disease Control says the country faces a high risk of Ebola importation due to continuous movement of people, and is scaling up preparedness.

Nigeria has announced it is scaling up its preparedness to detect and respond to the potential entry of the Ebola virus disease. The move follows an outbreak in East Africa that has led to deaths.

The country’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director-General Jide Idris said a risk assessment shows that Nigeria stands a high chance of getting the disease because of the continuous movement of people in and out of the country.

The outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo last month has resulted in over 80 confirmed deaths from more than 400 confirmed cases. Nigeria currently has no confirmed case of the disease.

Authorities have urged people in the country to remain calm and continue their normal activities, but to report any unusual illness through established public health channels.