The governments of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states have activated preventive measures to guard against the possible spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), following alerts from health authorities.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) recently identified some states as being at high risk of Ebola importation due to busy travel routes, international airports and border activities.
In Anambra, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said the state had strengthened surveillance across health facilities, borders and communities, even though it was not among the states classified as high-risk by the NCDC.
He said health workers had been placed on alert, emergency response teams mobilised, and public awareness campaigns planned to educate residents on preventive measures.
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Obidike urged residents to maintain good hygiene, avoid contact with sick persons and promptly report suspected symptoms to health authorities.
He assured the public that the state government was working closely with relevant agencies to keep Anambra free of the disease.
Similarly, the Enugu State Government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on Ebola prevention.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said the centre had brought together key stakeholders and partners to coordinate preparedness efforts.
According to him, response measures include surveillance, screening at points of entry, risk communication and training of frontline health workers.
Ugwu added that an isolation facility would be established at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane.
“There is no need to panic as there is currently no Ebola case in the country. However, residents should remain vigilant, maintain good hygiene and seek medical attention when ill rather than self-medicate,” he said.
In Ebonyi, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, said there was no reported case of Ebola in the state but assured residents that the government was prepared to prevent any outbreak.
He advised residents to avoid contact with infected persons and maintain proper hygiene practices, while urging them to report any suspected case immediately.
The Chief Medical Advisory Committee Chairman of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Dr Uchenna Nelson, also confirmed that the hospital had not recorded any Ebola case and remained fully prepared to respond if necessary.
Residents interviewed expressed confidence in the state’s preparedness but called for increased public awareness, particularly in rural communities, to strengthen prevention efforts.
