The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kaduna has urged residents of the state to remain calm but vigilant over concerns about Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Africa.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the country on heightened surveillance as a precautionary measure.

The call was made in a statement by the Kaduna Director of NOA, Danjuma Makama.

Mr Makama said the NOA Kaduna State Directorate is working closely with relevant agencies in the state to ensure the public receives accurate and timely updates.

He called on citizens to adopt preventive measures such as regular handwashing with soap and clean running water, or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser when water is unavailable.

“Avoid handling or consuming bushmeat, ensure all meat is thoroughly cooked, avoid contact with bodies of persons suspected to have died from EVD, report such cases to health authorities for safe burial, and maintain good personal and community hygiene at all times.”

The director cautioned against the spread of rumours and unverified information, urging the public to obtain updates only from verified sources such as the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, NCDC, and WHO.

“Public safety depends on accurate information and responsible action. By staying informed and cooperating with health authorities, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities,” Mr Makama stated.

Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness spread through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected people or animals, as well as contaminated surfaces.

It presents symptoms such as sudden fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, weakness and fatigue, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. 

(NAN)