The Enugu State Government says it has strengthened disease surveillance and placed health officials on alert across the state’s 17 local government areas following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said this on Wednesday in Enugu at a news conference on the state government’s response to the confirmed Ebola case in Abuja.
Ugwu said the government had reactivated and strengthened the Enugu State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) to coordinate preparedness, surveillance and response activities following the confirmation.
“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, a member of the Presidential Committee on Ebola Prevention, said.
He said the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare 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 the government considered residents’ health security a major priority and had taken precautionary measures without creating unnecessary fear or panic.
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 suspected cases through established channels.
Ugwu said the government would continue to provide the necessary support and guidance to ensure healthcare 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 person,” he said.
He urged public and private health facilities across the state to remain on heightened alert and maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly among people with relevant travel or exposure histories.
“All suspected cases should be promptly isolated and immediately reported to the appropriate Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) 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.
The commissioner recalled that the state government, through the Ministry of Health, had undertaken Ebola prevention and preparedness measures at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, an international point of entry, for several months.
He said the ongoing preventive measures at the airport were being implemented 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.(NAN)
