Ekiti Steps Up Disease Surveillance To Prevent Ebola, Diphtheria Spread

The Ekiti State Government has stepped up disease surveillance and rapid response mechanisms across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and diphtheria.

The General Manager, Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme and Pillar Lead for Ebola Risk Communication, Dr Charles Doherty, earlier in his remarks urged residents to report suspected cases of Ebola and Diphtheria to the nearest health facility. Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Bosede Alowooye, said the sensitisation was organised to strengthen prevention, early detection and prompt reporting of suspected cases. Alowooye said the state was on alert following reports of Ebola outbreaks in some countries, adding that stakeholders needed to remain vigilant to prevent the importation and spread of the disease. She said critical stakeholders, including community and religious leaders, media practitioners, road transport union members and health promotion officers, were engaged in the sensitisation to enhance public awareness. The epidemiologist listed symptoms of Ebola to include muscle pain, headache, stomach ache, vomiting, sudden high fever, difficulty in breathing and skin rash. She advised residents to maintain proper hand hygiene, observe personal hygiene and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities. Alowooye also urged residents with a history of travel to countries with reported outbreaks, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, to promptly report to health authorities and seek medical attention where necessary. END