The Anambra government has deployed nurses to Chinua Achebe International and Cargo Airport and activated emergency hotlines to strengthen surveillance and response to suspected Ebola cases.

Health commissioner Afam Obidike disclosed this on Wednesday in Awka. He assured residents that the government was strengthening measures to prevent the virus from entering the state.

Mr Obidike urged residents to report suspected cases through the emergency hotlines: 08038818131 and 08039595988. He said the ministry was collaborating with the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières, the Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria and other partners.

According to him, the partnership will enhance surveillance, promote early detection and coordinate responses to suspected cases.

The commissioner cautioned residents against unproven preventive practices, including drinking or bathing with salt water, stressing that such measures could not prevent Ebola infection. He explained that Ebola could spread through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person experiencing symptoms, contaminated materials and certain infected animals.

Mr Obidike advised residents experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, weakness, muscle pain and joint pain, particularly after possible exposure, to seek prompt medical attention. He noted that the symptoms could resemble those of malaria and other illnesses, making early medical assessment essential.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information and promptly report suspected cases through the designated emergency hotlines.

(NAN)