Global worries have been raised by the new variety.
Following the discovery of a more aggressive strain of monkeypox (mpox) in many African nations, the Nigerian Federal Government has instituted strict health screening procedures for all foreign visitors.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare jointly announced this program, which aims to stop the spread of the mpox subclade Ib, which has recently become more prevalent in some parts of Africa.
Since September 2024, the novel variation has had a substantial influence on countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, prompting concerns across the globe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) hinted nine days ago that it would call a meeting of experts to decide whether to declare an international emergency, such to the worldwide mpox outbreak of 2022.
According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), mumps is a contagious viral disease that can infect both humans and animals.
Its symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that can develop into blisters and crusts.
Since January 2022, there have been 1,456 deaths and 38,465 cases recorded throughout Africa, which comprises at least 16 of the continent’s 55 countries.
There were 5 deaths and 887 cases last week alone.
The Nigerian government has made it mandatory for all foreign visitors to fill out a health declaration form before they arrive in response to the growing threat.
This order, which can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health, is intended to make it easier to keep an eye out for possible disease importation and to help contain epidemics.
The government stressed that filling up and submitting the online form in advance will help prevent delays when traveling to Nigeria.
The form gathers personal data in addition to information about the traveler’s prior 21-day contact history, health, and recent travel.
According to the ministry’s statement, “this form is a crucial measure to safeguard the health of all Nigerians by preventing the spread, monitoring the possible importation of infectious diseases, and aiding in controlling disease outbreaks.”
Paper copies of the form will be provided upon arrival in Nigeria for individuals who are unable to complete it online.
Within Nigeria
