Ebola: No Confirmed Case in Enugu as Govt Places Health Workers on Alert

By Venica Uchechukwu, Enugu

The Enugu State Government has intensified disease surveillance across the state’s 17 local government areas and placed health officials on heightened alert following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.

The government, however, reassured residents that there was no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Enugu State, urging the public to remain vigilant and observe preventive measures without giving in to fear or panic.

The Commissioner for Health, George Ugwu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Enugu during a press conference on the state’s response to the confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.

Ugwu, who is a member of the Presidential Committee on Ebola Prevention, said the state government had reactivated and strengthened the Enugu State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) to coordinate preparedness, surveillance and response activities.

He said the government had intensified disease surveillance across the 17 local government areas and strengthened collaboration with relevant government agencies and development partners to ensure early detection and prompt response to any suspected case.

According to him, surveillance activities around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, are also being strengthened in collaboration with Port Health Services and other relevant stakeholders.

“The state is further maintaining its Rapid Response Teams and relevant technical personnel on standby, while preparedness measures are being reviewed to ensure that the state is able to respond promptly should a suspected case be identified,” he said.

The commissioner added that public awareness and risk communication activities had been intensified to ensure that residents received accurate and timely information about the disease.

He said the Ministry of Health would continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, its agencies and other partners to strengthen preparedness, facilitate early detection and ensure an effective response to any suspected case.

Ugwu stressed that the state government considered the health security of residents a major priority and had taken appropriate precautionary measures to protect the public.

He, however, cautioned against spreading misinformation or creating unnecessary panic, emphasizing that the preventive measures were designed to safeguard public health.

“To the good people of Enugu State, I urge you to remain calm and vigilant. There is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Enugu State, and the measures being taken are precautionary,” he said.

The commissioner advised residents to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick persons, seek medical attention promptly when necessary and report suspected cases to the appropriate health authorities.

He also called on health workers in public and private facilities across the state to maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly when attending to persons with relevant travel or exposure histories.

According to him, healthcare professionals must strictly observe infection prevention and control protocols, use appropriate personal protective equipment and promptly report any suspected case through established channels.

He directed that suspected cases should be isolated promptly and reported immediately to the relevant Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) or the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

Ugwu further urged all health facilities to cooperate fully with the state Ministry of Health and other response agencies, noting that early detection and prompt notification remained critical to preventing the spread of the disease.

He assured health workers that the government would continue to provide the necessary support and guidance to ensure their safety and strengthen the state’s capacity to respond effectively to potential public health emergencies.

The commissioner recalled that the state government, through the Ministry of Health, had been implementing Ebola prevention and preparedness measures at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport for months, given its status as an international point of entry.

He said the ongoing preventive activities at the airport were being carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, airport authorities and other relevant partners.

The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening surveillance, public awareness and emergency response mechanisms to protect residents and prevent the possible introduction and spread of Ebola in the state.