The Niger State Ministry of Health has announced the activation of its emergency response centre and heightened surveillance measures following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in neighbouring Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The State Commissioner for Health, Murtala Bagana, who disclosed the measures out in place through a statement, stressed that no case of Ebola had been detected in Niger State.
He said the measures were precautionary and aimed at strengthening early detection, disease surveillance and rapid response to any suspected infection, particularly because of frequent movement of people and trade between Niger State and Abuja.
Bagana said the State government was collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other relevant partners to strengthen preparedness and prevent possible transmission.
He disclosed that public and private health facilities across the State had been directed to report suspected cases immediately, while Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and response teams had been mobilised to support contact tracing, clinical assessment and safe referral of suspected cases.
The Commissioner added that infection prevention and control measures had been reinforced in health facilities to protect healthcare workers and patients.
He urged residents to remain calm, avoid panic and observe preventive measures, including regular handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
Residents were also advised to avoid direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola, refrain from spreading unverified information and avoid stigmatising people undergoing medical assessment.
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(Editor: Ken Eseni)
