On Thursday, the Kaduna State Ministry of Health said it intensified efforts to strengthen public health preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging diseases through a Rapid Response Team.

Health commissioner Umma Ahmed said this in a statement on Thursday. She said that following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Abuja, the ministry is strengthening disease surveillance, early detection, and preparedness measures in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and other relevant stakeholders to protect residents’ health.

Ms Ahmed said all residents should remain calm, vigilant, continue their normal activities and observe the recommended public health precautions. She added that residents must wash their hands and report any suspected case immediately.

According to her, Ebola is a severe infectious disease transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died, or through contact with contaminated materials.

Ms Ahmed said Ebola does not spread through casual contact with an uninfected person. She listed sudden fever and severe weakness, headache and muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and unexplained bleeding in some cases as signs and symptoms of Ebola.

She also said symptoms may develop within two to 21 days after exposure. She advised residents to take precautions by washing hands regularly with soap and clean running water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

“Avoid direct contact with the blood, vomit, urine, faeces, saliva, or other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola, and do not touch the bodies of persons who may have died from Ebola. Other measures include avoiding sick or dead wild animals and not handling or consuming raw or inadequately cooked animal products.  

“Seek immediate medical attention at a recognised health facility if symptoms develop, particularly following possible exposure or travel to an affected area,” said Ms Ahmed.

The health commissioner, who cautioned against rumours, urged residents to support public health officials conducting contact tracing and monitoring. She also directed all public and private healthcare facilities, healthcare workers, disease surveillance and notification officers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to intensify surveillance and maintain a high index of suspicion.

Ms Ahmed also urged community leaders and other stakeholders not to hesitate to contact the NCDC Connect Centre (toll-free): 6232, and Kaduna State Ministry of Health on 08036045755, 07031992126 in case of any development.

(NAN)