Adamawa and Kaduna States have disclosed efforts to strengthen public health preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging diseases through a Rapid Response Team (RRT).
The Adamawa Government said it has intensified preparedness against the potential threat of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
A statement from the Information Officer of Adamawa Ministry of Health and Human Services, Abubakar Mohammed on Thursday in Yola said the government has activated the Emergency Operations and Infectious Disease Centres and Rapid Response Team in the state.
Mohammed said other measures include heightened surveillance and awareness campaigns across the 21 Local Government Areas.
He said disease surveillance officers and notification focal persons had been directed to intensify monitoring and promptly report suspected cases.
He added that healthcare workers were tasked to maintain a high index of suspicion for patients with fever, especially those with travel history or contact with suspected cases.
He said the Infectious Disease Centre had been activated to assess, isolate and manage suspected cases, with infection prevention prioritised.
According to him, the Emergency Operations Centre will coordinate preparedness, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and ensure timely response.
On the sensitisation , he said the government would deploy media, social media and community structures to sensitise residents on symptoms and prevention measures.
He listed symptoms to include sudden fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, noting that unexplained bleeding may occur.
He said symptoms usually appear between two and 21 days after exposure, often within eight to 10 days.
He clarified that fever alone does not indicate Ebola, but advised persons with compatible symptoms after exposure to seek assessment.
”Residents should avoid contact with blood and body fluids of suspected cases, practise handwashing and cooperate with health workers”, he warned.
Mohammed cautioned against rumour mongering and urged residents to rely on the ministry and recognised health authorities for information.
He called on traditional and religious leaders, market associations, transport operators, partners, civil society and the media to support the campaign.
”Residents should remain calm and vigilant as surveillance and response measures are strengthened”, he said.
Ebola: Kaduna activates surveillance response team
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Ministry of Health has said the State has intensified efforts to strengthen public health preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging diseases through a RRT.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Umma Ahmed, made this known in a statement in Kaduna on Thursday.
She said following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Abuja, the ministry is strengthening disease surveillance, early detection, and preparedness measures in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant stakeholders to protect the health of residents.
Ahmed said all residents should remain calm, vigilant, continue their normal activities and observe the recommended public health precautions.
She added that residents must wash their hands and report any suspected case immediately.
“Early detection, prompt reporting and community cooperation are essential to preventing the spread of Ebola.
According to her, Ebola is a severe infectious disease transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died, or through contact with contaminated materials.
She said Ebola does not spread through casual contact with an uninfected person.
She listed sudden fever and severe weakness , headache and muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea , abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding in some cases as signs and symptoms of ebola.
She also said that the symptoms may develop within two to 21 days after exposure.
The commissioner advised residents to take precautions by washing hands regularly with soap and clean running water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
“Avoid direct contact with the blood, vomit, urine, faeces, saliva, or other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola, not touching the bodies of persons who may have died from Ebola.
“Other measures include avoiding sick or dead wild animals, not handling or consuming raw or inadequately cooked animal products. Seeking immediate medical attention at a recognised health facility if symptoms develop, particularly following possible exposure or travel to an affected area.”
The Commissioner who cautioned against rumours, urged support of residents to public health officials conducting contact tracing and monitoring.
She also directed all public and private healthcare facilities, healthcare workers, Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) community leaders, and other stakeholders to intensify surveillance, maintain a high index of suspicion.
Ahmed also urged community leaders and other stakeholders not to hesitate in contacting the NCDC Connect Centre (toll-free): 6232, and Kaduna State Ministry of Health on 08036045755, 07031992126 in case of any development.
“The health and safety of every resident of Kaduna State remains our priority. Let us work together to prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease”.