Ebola: Edo Calls For Strict Preventive Measures, Intensifies Surveillance

The Edo State Ministry of Health has called on residents to observe strict preventive measures following a reported confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Paul Eighemhenrio, who represented the Edo state Commissioner for Health, Cyril Adams Oshiomole at a press conference said that the ministry has intensified surveillance in communities and health facilities, alongside measures for contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and public awareness. He urged residents to watch out for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding, particularly where there has been possible exposure to the virus. The ministry also advised the public to avoid direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected cases, practise regular handwashing, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop following possible exposure. “The ministry is calling on residents to observe strict preventive measures and it has intensified surveillance in communities and health facilities, alongside measures for contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and public awareness. “Residents to watch out for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding, particularly where there has been possible exposure to the virus,” he added. It also warned against spreading rumours, unverified reports and messages capable of creating panic, urging residents to rely on official public health information and cooperate with contact-tracing teams.