— State reactivates emergency operations centre, places response teams on standby
By Anayo Okoli
ENUGU — The Enugu State Government says it has intensified disease surveillance across its 17 local government areas and reactivated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre following reports of an Ebola case in Nigeria.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. George O. Ugwu, who disclosed this, said no case of Ebola Virus Disease had been confirmed in Enugu State.
“Let me begin by reassuring the people of Enugu State that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Enugu State,” he said.
Ugwu explained that the government had strengthened preparedness measures 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.
He said Enugu’s position as a major travel and commercial hub, particularly through the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, made heightened surveillance and preparedness necessary.
According to him, the administration of Governor Peter Mbah considers public health security a priority and is taking precautionary measures without creating unnecessary panic.
The commissioner said surveillance had been intensified across the 17 local government areas, while coordination with relevant agencies and monitoring around the international airport had also been strengthened.
He added that the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre had been reactivated to coordinate preparedness and response, with rapid response teams and technical personnel placed on standby.
Ugwu urged public and private health facilities across the state to remain on high alert and maintain a high index of suspicion for suspected cases, particularly among people with relevant travel or exposure histories.
He advised healthcare providers to promptly isolate suspected cases and report them immediately to the appropriate Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) or the state emergency operations centre.
The commissioner also urged health workers to adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols, use appropriate personal protective equipment and report suspected infections through established channels.
He stressed that early detection and prompt notification were critical to preventing transmission, assuring health workers that the government would continue to provide the support and guidance needed to protect them and ensure an effective response.
Ugwu urged residents to remain calm and observe preventive measures, including proper hand hygiene, avoiding contact with the body fluids of sick persons, seeking prompt medical attention when necessary and reporting suspected cases to health authorities.
He cautioned against rumours, misinformation and stigmatisation, urging residents to rely on information from the Enugu State Ministry of Health, the NCDC and other recognised health authorities.
The commissioner said the state government would continue to work with national authorities and other partners to strengthen disease preparedness, surveillance and response.
“I reassure the public that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Enugu State. I urge everyone to remain calm, observe preventive measures, report suspected cases promptly and rely on verified information,” he said.
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