Ekiti State Government says it has intensified preparedness measures to prevent and promptly respond to any possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, following the alert by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC.
The state has increased public awareness through engagement with health workers, community leaders, media officers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and traditional rulers on preventive measures and prompt reporting. Radio jingles are also being aired on two radio stations, while posters and other information materials have been distributed.
The state has trained laboratory personnel on Ebola sample collection, handling and transportation, as well as state and local government surveillance teams on disease surveillance, response and active case search.
An Ebola Virus Disease Technical Working Group has also been inaugurated. The group held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, October 13, following the confirmation of a case in Kenya, to assess the state’s level of preparedness and expedite other readiness activities.
Airport officials and environmental health officers have equally been oriented on the screening and triaging of passengers at the airport and other points of entry.
The state has also strengthened the capacity of healthcare workers through simulation exercises at the Ebola Treatment Centre at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, training on case management and infection prevention and control, as well as training of the state burial team on safe and dignified burial.
Personal protective equipment, including gloves, facemasks and other laboratory consumables, have also been procured and stockpiled in readiness.
The state government has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, stressing that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or someone who has died from the disease, or through contaminated materials.
Residents are advised to watch out for symptoms such as sudden fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly in people with a travel history to countries affected by Ebola.
Anyone with possible exposure is advised to report immediately, while people who develop symptoms should avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
The government also urged residents to avoid rumours and stigma, cooperate with public health teams and share only verified information from official health authorities.
It assured the people that Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014 and has the experience and public health systems needed to respond to the disease.
The Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, says protecting healthcare workers, patients and the wider public remains a priority, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with health authorities.
Residents who notice anyone showing signs and symptoms of Ebola, particularly with a travel history to an affected country or Abuja, are advised to report to the nearest General Hospital or call 07049204288, 08160193629 or 07049204334 immediately.
