Enugu State says it has strengthened its disease surveillance and put health officials on alert across the 17 council areas in the state following the detection of Ebola disease in Nigeria.
Key Highlights
- Enugu reactivates its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre over Ebola.
- Surveillance intensified across all 17 LGAs and at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
- Rapid response teams on standby; no confirmed case in Enugu.
- Health facilities told to isolate and report suspected cases promptly.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said this on Wednesday in Enugu, during a press conference on the state government’s response to the confirmed case of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory.
Ugwu said that following the confirmation of the case, the state government had reactivated and strengthened the Enugu State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate preparedness, surveillance and response activities.
Surveillance Stepped Up At Airport, LGAs
“Specifically, the state has intensified disease surveillance across its 17 local government areas and strengthened coordination with relevant agencies and partners.
“Surveillance activities around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport are also being strengthened in collaboration with Port Health Services and other relevant stakeholders.
“The state is further maintaining its rapid response teams and relevant technical personnel on standby, while preparedness measures are being reviewed to ensure that the state is able to respond promptly should a suspected case be identified.
“Public awareness and risk communication activities are also being strengthened to ensure that members of the public receive accurate and timely information,” Ugwu, who is a member of the Presidential Committee on Ebola Prevention, said.
He said that the health ministry would continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, its agencies and other partners to ensure effective preparedness, early detection, appropriate response and timely communication.
The commissioner said that the state government considers the health security of the state’s residents a major priority and had taken appropriate precautionary measures without creating unnecessary fear or panic.
Health Workers Told To Stay Alert
He urged health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, strictly observe infection prevention and control measures, use appropriate protective equipment, and promptly report any suspected case through the established channels.
According to him, the government will continue to provide the necessary support and guidance to ensure health workers’ safety and an effective response.
“To the good people of Enugu State, I urge you to remain calm and vigilant. There is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Enugu State, and the measures being taken are precautionary.
“The public is advised to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick persons, seek medical attention promptly when necessary, and report suspected sick persons,” he said.
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He specifically urged public and private health facilities across the state to remain on heightened alert and maintain a high index of suspicion for suspected cases, particularly among persons with relevant travel or exposure history.
“All suspected cases should be promptly isolated and immediately reported to the appropriate disease surveillance and notification officer or the state Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, while strict infection prevention and control measures are observed.
“I urge all health facilities to cooperate fully with the Enugu State Ministry of Health and other response agencies, as early detection and prompt notification are critical to preventing transmission,” he said.
It will be recalled that the state government, through the Ministry of Health, has for months been undertaking Ebola prevention and preparedness measures at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, which is an international entry point.
The current Ebola prevention measures at the airport are being undertaken in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, airport authorities and other relevant partners.
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