By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
The Niger State Ministry of Health has placed its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) on high alert following a confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, stated this in a statement in Minna on Wednesday.
He assured the public that no case of Ebola has been detected in Niger State, adding that, ” the state’s proactive measures are entirely precautionary, aimed at reinforcing surveillance, early detection, and rapid response capacity”.
Bagana explained that state’s high level of vigilance is critical due to the frequent transit and trade volume between the state and neighboring Abuja.
‘To ensure state-wide readiness, the Ministry is actively collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other key international partners”, he said.
He directed all public and private health facilities across Niger State to immediately report any suspected cases, adding that Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and response teams have been deployed to bolster contact tracing, clinical assessment, and safe referral protocols.
”Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been reinforced across all health centers to protect frontline workers and patients” he said.
The Commissioner appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid panic, and strictly practice public hygiene, particularly frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. He advised residents to avoid direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of any individual exhibiting symptoms.
“Anyone exhibiting symptoms or suspecting potential exposure is advised to immediately self-isolate and contact public health authorities via the emergency hotlines below before visiting a medical facility”, he said
