From Emma Elekwa, Awka
Anambra State Government has deployed nurses to Chinua Achebe International and Cargo Airport and activated emergency hotlines to strengthen surveillance and response to suspected Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike who disclosed this on Wednesday assured residents that the government was strengthening measures to prevent the virus from entering the state.
He urged them to report suspected cases through the emergency hotlines: 08038818131 and 08039595988.
He said the Ministry was collaborating with the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières, the Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria, and other partners.
According to him, the partnership will enhance surveillance, promote early detection and coordinate responses to suspected cases.
”The state has intensified surveillance at entry points, including the airport and border communities, as well as public awareness campaigns and refresher training for healthcare workers,” he added.
Obidike cautioned residents against unproven preventive practices, including drinking or bathing with salt water, stressing that such measures could not prevent Ebola infection.
He explained that Ebola could spread through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person experiencing symptoms, contaminated materials and certain infected animals.
The Commissioner advised residents experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, weakness, muscle pain and joint pain, particularly after possible exposure, to seek prompt medical attention.
He noted that the symptoms could resemble those of malaria and other illnesses, making early medical assessment essential.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information and promptly report suspected cases through the designated emergency hotlines.
Obidike had earlier reassured that no Ebola case has been confirmed in the state, urging residents to remain calm and observe preventive measures.
He said the state had been monitoring persons of interest identified through the national surveillance system.
According to him, persons of interest are individuals identified for public health follow-up based on their travel or exposure history and their monitoring does not mean they have contracted the virus.
“Being placed under monitoring does not mean that a person has Ebola. Such individuals should not be stigmatised or described as confirmed cases,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that, as of Oct. 20, the state had monitored 40 persons of interest, out of whom 33 had completed the prescribed 21-day monitoring period and been cleared, while seven remained under active follow-up.
He said designated surveillance officers, under the coordination of the State Epidemiologist, were conducting regular communication, symptom checks and documentation throughout the monitoring period.
Obidike added that the monitoring exercise had been ongoing for several months, with the state epidemiologist and other designated officers directly involved.
He also said members of the state surveillance team had participated in a two-day online training organised by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on monitoring persons of interest.
According to him, the training strengthened the team’s capacity for monitoring, documentation, reporting and prompt escalation of suspected cases.
“We have three holding centres where we can monitor suspected cases in the state. We have also directed secondary and tertiary health facilities to identify and designate holding centres for suspected cases to prevent the spread of the virus,” he said.