By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof George Ugwu have said that there is no confirmed case of Ebola in the state.
He urged residents to be vigilant and also take adequate measure.
The Commissioner also noted that the state government has strengthened its disease surveillance with health officials in the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) on alert.
The Commissioner said these on Wednesday in Enugu during a press conference on activities of the State Government in response to the confirmed case of Ebola in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
“To the good people of Enugu State, I urge you to remain calm and vigilant. There is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Enugu State, and the measures being taken are precautionary,” he said.
Ugwu emphasized that following the confirmation of the Abuja case, the government had reactivated and strengthened the Enugu State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) to coordinate preparedness, surveillance and response activities.
“Specifically, the State has intensified disease surveillance across its 17 Local Government Areas and strengthened coordination with relevant agencies and partners.
“Surveillance activities around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport are also being strengthened in collaboration 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.
“Public awareness and risk communication activities are also being strengthened to ensure that members of the public receive accurate and timely information,” Ugwu, who is a Member of Presidential Committee on Ebola Prevention, said.
He added that his Ministry would continue to work closely with Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, its agencies and other partners to ensure effective preparedness, early detection, appropriate response and timely communication.
The Commissioner said that the government considers the health security of the state’s residents as a major priority and had taken appropriate precautionary measures without creating unnecessary fear or panic.
The Commissioner urged health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, strictly observe infection prevention and control measures, use appropriate protective equipment, and promptly report any suspected case through the established channels.
According to him, government will continue to provide the necessary support and guidance to ensure health workers’ safety and effective response.
“The public is advised to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick persons, seek medical attention promptly when necessary, and report suspected sick persons,” he advised.
Prof Ugwu specifically urged public and private health facilities across the state to remain on heightened alert and maintain a high index of suspicion for suspected cases, particularly among persons with relevant travel or exposure history.
“All suspected cases should be promptly isolated and immediately 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 observed.
“I urge all health facilities to cooperate fully with the Enugu State Ministry of Health and other response agencies, as early detection and prompt notification are critical to preventing transmission,” he said.
It would be recalled that wstate government, through the Ministry of Health, for months had been undertaking Ebola prevention preparedness measures at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, which is an international entry point.
The current prevention measures at the airport are being carried out with collaboration of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, airport authorities and other relevant partners.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Prof Ugwu.
