The Enugu State Government has intensified disease surveillance across the state’s 17 local government areas and placed health officials on heightened alert following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Enugu during a press conference on the government’s response to the confirmed case.
Ugwu said the government had reactivated and strengthened the Enugu State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) to coordinate preparedness, surveillance and response measures aimed at preventing the possible spread of the disease into the state.
He explained that surveillance activities had been stepped up across the 17 LGAs, while collaboration with relevant government agencies and health partners had been strengthened to ensure early detection and a coordinated response to any suspected case.
According to him, monitoring activities around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, are also being reinforced in partnership 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,” the commissioner said.
Ugwu, who is a member of the Presidential Committee on Ebola Prevention, added that public awareness and risk communication efforts were being intensified to ensure residents receive accurate and timely information about the disease and the preventive measures they should observe.
He assured that the state Ministry of Health would continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, its agencies and other partners to strengthen preparedness, facilitate early detection and ensure appropriate responses to any suspected infection.
The commissioner stressed that the government’s measures were precautionary and intended to protect residents without creating unnecessary fear or panic.
“There is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Enugu State, and the measures being taken are precautionary,” he said, urging residents to remain calm, vigilant and attentive to public health advisories.
He advised members of the public to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick persons and seek prompt medical attention when necessary.
Residents were also urged to report anyone suspected of having symptoms consistent with the disease to the appropriate health authorities.
Ugwu further called on health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, strictly observe infection prevention and control protocols, use appropriate personal protective equipment and promptly report suspected cases through established channels.
He said the government would continue to provide the necessary support and guidance to protect health workers and ensure an effective response.
The commissioner specifically directed public and private health facilities across the state to remain on heightened alert, particularly when attending to patients with relevant travel or exposure histories.
He explained that suspected cases should be promptly isolated and 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 maintained.
“Early detection and prompt notification are critical to preventing transmission,” he said, urging all health facilities to cooperate fully with the state Ministry of Health and other response agencies.
The government also recalled that it had, for several months, been implementing Ebola prevention and preparedness measures at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, a designated international entry point.
The ongoing measures are being carried out 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.
The state government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health through sustained surveillance, effective coordination and timely response to potential public health threats.
