In response to a new, more virulent strain of monkeypox (mpox) which has been discovered in some African countries, the Federal Government has implemented a stringent health screening protocol for incoming international travellers.

This measure, announced by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention aims to curb the spread of the Clade Ib subclade of monkeypox, which has been increasingly impacting several African nations.

The new variant of monkeypox started ravaging African countries especially DR Congo in September 2024.

Nine days ago, the World Health Organisation said it was considering convening an expert committee to advise on whether to declare an international emergency, as it did during the global mpox outbreak in 2022.

The Centre for Diseases Control in Africa described mpox as an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over fever and swollen lymph nodes.

According to the health body, at least 16 countries of the continent’s 55 nations have been hit by the disease.

The data from Africa CDC revealed that 38,465 cases and 1,456 deaths have been reported in Africa since January 2022. Of these, 887 cases and five deaths were reported last week.

Reacting to the widespread of the infectious disease, the federal government on the Federal Ministry of Health’s website directed international travellers to fill out the declaration form before making their way to Nigeria.

The ministry encouraged all passengers to fill out and submit the form online before departing their locations to avoid delays upon arriving in Nigeria.

The health ministry explained that the form is an instituted measure to prevent the spread, monitor the possible importation of infectious diseases and aid the control of disease outbreaks thereby protecting the health of all Nigerians.

“The Nigeria Health Declaration Form must be filled out by all incoming passengers to Nigeria. Paper-based versions will be provided on arrival in Nigeria for passengers unable to fill out the form.

“This form is an instituted measure to prevent the spread, monitor the possible importation of infectious diseases and aid the control of disease outbreaks thereby protecting the health of all Nigerians,” information on the ministry’s website reads.

When our correspondent clicked on the form, it was discovered that the form requires the personal information of the traveller.

The traveller is also required to provide their travel, health and contact history in the 21 days preceding their arrival.