By Chris Chikelue
The Anambra State Government has urged residents to remain calm following reports of a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), assuring the public that no case has been reported in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, gave the assurance Oct. 21, during a press briefing in his office, disclosing that the state had strengthened disease surveillance to ensure the early detection and prompt management of any suspected case.
Obidike said surveillance measures had been reinforced at health facilities and other entry points, while community health informants across the state’s wards were being mobilised to identify and report suspected cases.
“We have zero cases of Ebola in Anambra, and surveillance has been put in place at the airport and various hospitals in the state to detect any case,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the state was also strengthening its preparedness for infectious diseases, particularly Lassa fever, which has been a public health concern in the area.
He noted that Ebola and Lassa fever are viral haemorrhagic diseases that can present with some similar symptoms, making prompt reporting, proper diagnosis and professional medical assessment essential.
According to him, the state has been engaging public health partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria, to improve preparedness, intensify surveillance and strengthen response capacity.
Obidike assured residents that the Ministry of Health was working with epidemiologists and other public health experts to monitor developments, educate communities on preventive measures and ensure suspected cases are identified and managed appropriately.
He urged residents to avoid panic, remain alert to public health advisories and promptly report suspected symptoms to health authorities rather than resorting to self medication.
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting public health through early detection, community awareness and collaboration with relevant health institutions and development partners.
Chris Chikelue is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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