Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu Respond to Ebola Threat

The governments of Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states in the South-east have activated measures to stop the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). They made this known in separate interviews while responding to a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) about efforts to prevent the disease in the region.

NAN reported that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have identified some states as high-risk areas due to their busy trade routes, airports, and borders. The NCDC has advised states with international airports and high traffic to set up Emergency Operation Centres (EOC).

Anambra's Response to Ebola

The Anambra State Government explained that even though it is not classified as high-risk by the NCDC, the state is taking precautions because of its closeness to Enugu, which is listed as high-risk. The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, said they have improved surveillance in health facilities, borders, and communities. Health workers are now on alert to quickly identify and respond to any suspected cases.

Obidike also mentioned that emergency response teams are ready and public awareness campaigns will begin to teach residents about prevention. He urged everyone to practice good hygiene, avoid unnecessary contact with sick people, and report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility.

He assured the public that the state government is working with health agencies to keep the state free from Ebola. He added that Governor Charles Soludo's administration is committed to protecting the health of residents and will keep monitoring the situation while following all recommended measures against Ebola.

Enugu State's Actions

In Enugu, the state government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to prevent Ebola. The state's Commissioner for Health, George Ugwu, told NAN that the EOC includes important health partners and stakeholders.

Ugwu shared that during the first meeting on Monday, they set up the leadership and structure for the EOC. He said they also identified key areas of response, which include surveillance, screening at entry points, risk communication, and training for health workers.

He mentioned that the centre will set up a proper isolation facility at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Parklane. "There is no need to panic as the disease is not in the country, but we are raising awareness and alertness about it."

Ugwu stressed the need for residents to take health, hygiene, and cleanliness seriously. He urged people to visit health facilities instead of self-medicating when they are sick. He noted that Governor Peter Mbah is dedicated to ensuring that the EOC and health systems are ready to prevent the disease.

The commissioner added that the centre will work with officials and stakeholders at various entry points in the state to ensure effective operations. The symptoms of Ebola include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, bleeding, and shock.

Ebonyi State's Preparedness

In Ebonyi, the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, confirmed there are no Ebola cases in the state. Ekuma said Ebonyi is prepared to prevent any outbreak. He explained that eating animals like antelope, fruit bats, apes, and monkeys can lead to Ebola.

He advised the public to avoid consuming any of these animals unless checked by veterinary doctors. Ekuma listed symptoms of Ebola as fever, sore throat, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. He urged residents to avoid direct contact with the blood and body fluids of infected individuals and to follow safe burial practices.

The commissioner also mentioned that awareness is being raised in Ebonyi to encourage residents to report any suspected Ebola cases. Uchenna Nelson, chief medical advisory committee (CMAC) at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, said the hospital has no Ebola cases on record.

He expressed that they are ready to deal with any infections if they arise. A resident of Abakaliki, Okey Sandra, said she has not heard of any Ebola cases in Ebonyi and her family is prepared to prevent infections. Another resident, Sunday Nweke from Ikwo, called on the government to promote more awareness in rural areas, saying "prevention is better than cure."