By Kabirat Kahinde — The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and follow official health advice, following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory FCT.
In a statement personally signed by the NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, disclosed that the confirmed patient had been isolated and was receiving medical care, while contact tracing and surveillance are ongoing.
According to her, NEMA was working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, in conducting the national response.
Mrs Umar added that the agencies are working with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to provide appropriate coordination and emergency-support assistance as required.
Reassuring Nigerians, Mrs Umar said: “At this time, our most important message to Nigerians is: remain calm, remain vigilant and follow official health advice. There is no need for panic.”
Explaining how the disease spreads, NEMA said Ebola is transmitted mainly through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person who is ill, or through contaminated materials.
Mrs Umar, therefore, advised Nigerians to wash their hands frequently with soap and running water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
”It also warned against direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola, as well as unsafe contact with wild animals or dead wild animals,” she added.
Adding, the NEMA boss advised Nigerians not to touch or prepare the body of anyone suspected of dying from Ebola, stressing that trained health authorities should manage such burials.
The director-general also urged anyone who develops fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting or diarrhoea following possible exposure to seek medical guidance immediately.
Appealing for public cooperation, Mrs Umar said: “I particularly appeal to Nigerians to cooperate fully with contact-tracing teams and to avoid rumours, misinformation and stigmatisation.
”Anyone contacted by public-health officials should provide accurate information and follow their guidance.
For official advice or to report a suspected case, the NCDC toll-free number is 6232.”
Recalling how Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, NEMA said early detection, responsible individual behaviour, effective contact tracing and coordinated institutional action could break the chain of transmission.
Reaffirming its commitment to the national response, NEMA said it would continue to support response efforts as required while reinforcing public awareness and preparedness.