The Kaduna State Ministry of Health on Thursday said it has intensified efforts to strengthen public health preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging diseases through a Rapid Response Team (RRT).
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Umma Ahmed, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Thursday.
She said that following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Abuja, the ministry is strengthening disease surveillance, early detection, and preparedness measures in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant stakeholders to protect residents' health.
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.
“Early detection, prompt reporting and community cooperation are essential to preventing the spread of Ebola.
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.
She 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 that the symptoms may develop within two to 21 days after exposure.
The commissioner advised residents to take precautions by washing hands regularly with soap and clean running water, or use 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, not touching the bodies of persons who may have died from Ebola.
“Other measures include avoiding sick or dead wild animals, not handling or consuming raw or inadequately cooked animal products. Seeking immediate medical attention at a recognised health facility if symptoms develop, particularly following possible exposure or travel to an affected area.”
The Commissioner, who cautioned against rumours, urged support of residents to public health officials conducting contact tracing and monitoring.
She also directed all public and private healthcare facilities, healthcare workers, Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), community leaders, and other stakeholders to intensify surveillance and maintain a high index of suspicion.
Ahmed also urged community leaders and other stakeholders not to hesitate in contacting the NCDC Connect Centre (toll-free): 6232, and Kaduna State Ministry of Health on 08036045755, 07031992126 in case of any development.
“The health and safety of every resident of Kaduna State remains our priority. Let us work together to prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease.”
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