Ebola: South-East Governments Step up Containment Measures

Governments across Nigeria’s South-East have intensified efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus Disease following a reported case in Abuja.

Although no confirmed cases have been recorded in the zone, authorities are strengthening disease surveillance, alerting health workers and border teams, and boosting emergency response capacity.

The measures include closer monitoring of suspected cases, public awareness campaigns, infection prevention and control protocols, and preparations to isolate and manage any potential infections.

Abia prepares isolation centres, seeks funds for protective gearAbia State has begun emergency preparedness steps that include equipping isolation facilities, procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) and intensifying surveillance.

Permanent Secretary of the Abia State Ministry of Health, Dr Blossom Uma-Kalu, confirmed that no Ebola case has been recorded in the state.

She said the ministry had started consultations with relevant agencies to assess readiness and identify gaps needing urgent attention.

Additional funding is required for PPE, thermometers, hand sanitisers and other essential supplies.

The state is preparing a budget to determine what can be covered through federal support and what will require state resources.

“We have held meetings following communication from the Federal Ministry of Health about the case in Abuja. Health workers and relevant public health teams have been alerted to maintain a high index of suspicion,” she said.

The Infectious Disease Hospital in Aba is nearing completion, while an isolation facility at a specialist hospital in Umuahia is being remodelled.

Officials are also assessing another site that could be adapted for isolation if needed.Uma-Kalu noted that isolation centres require trained personnel, adequate funding and proper treatment facilities, making it impractical to establish one in every local government area.

A public health advisory is being prepared to educate residents on symptoms, prevention and emergency contact numbers.

She urged health workers, especially those in private hospitals and laboratories, to remain vigilant and take note of patients’ travel histories.

Residents were advised to stay calm but alert, avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of suspected cases, and not dismiss suspicious symptoms as ordinary malaria without proper assessment.

Enugu intensifies surveillance across 17 LGAsEnugu State has ramped up disease surveillance across all 17 local government areas and reactivated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

Commissioner for Health Prof. George O. Ugwu reassured residents that no confirmed case of Ebola has been recorded in the state.

He said preparedness was being strengthened in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health, Port Health Services, airport authorities and other partners.

Given Enugu’s role as a major travel and commercial hub, particularly through Akanu Ibiam International Airport, heightened surveillance was necessary. Rapid response teams remain on standby.

Ugwu called on public and private health facilities to stay alert, isolate suspected cases according to protocols and report them promptly to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers or the state emergency operations centre.

He also advised strict infection prevention measures, including proper use of protective equipment.Residents were urged to practise good hand hygiene, avoid contact with body fluids of sick persons, report suspected cases quickly, and ignore rumours or misinformation, relying instead on official sources.

Anambra to deploy surveillance officers at airport, motor parksAnambra State plans to deploy surveillance officers at key locations, including Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri, motor parks, banks and other public places.Commissioner for Health Dr Afam Ben Obidike said the officers would screen passengers arriving from Abuja, Lagos and other African countries.

He urged residents not to panic, assuring them that preventive measures were in place.The state has monitored 40 persons of interest; 33 have completed their monitoring period and been cleared, while seven remain under active follow-up and are stable.

Anambra has developed a preparedness and operational plan covering surveillance, rapid response, infection prevention and control, laboratory coordination, referrals, risk communication and logistics.

Surveillance networks across the 21 local government areas and other strategic points will be strengthened for early detection.State surveillance officers recently completed a two-day online training organised by the NCDC on monitoring persons of interest.

Obidike advised health workers to obtain travel and exposure histories and follow infection-prevention protocols.

Residents with fever or other concerning symptoms after relevant travel or contact were told to contact health authorities and call ahead before visiting a facility.

He also cautioned against handling the bodies of people who died from unexplained illnesses and against spreading rumours or identifying people under monitoring.

Ebonyi on alert, warns against risky burialsEbonyi State Commissioner for Health Dr Moses Ikenna Ekuma confirmed there was no case of Ebola in the state and said the government was prepared to respond if needed.

The ministry has activated precautionary measures, established an equipped isolation centre and trained health workers on infection prevention and control.

Residents were advised to avoid contact with bodily fluids, maintain proper hygiene, cook bush meat thoroughly, exercise caution during burials of people whose cause of death is unknown, limit unnecessary travel and seek prompt medical care for unusual or severe symptoms.

Ekuma attributed the state’s readiness to investments in health facilities and equipment by Governor Francis Nwifuru.

Efforts to reach Imo State Commissioner for Health Dr Chioma Egu were unsuccessful at the time of filing the report.