By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Ministry of Health has intensified preparedness against Ebola by deploying nurses to the Chinua Achebe International and Cargo Airport in Anambra State to conduct health checks and activating emergency hotlines for reporting suspected cases.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this during a press briefing with journalists at the Ministry’s headquarters in Awka, assuring residents that the state was strengthening surveillance and response measures to protect public health.
Dr Obidike announced that residents could report individuals suspected of having Ebola through the emergency numbers **08038818131 and 08039595988**.
He said the Ministry was working with the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria and other partners to strengthen surveillance, improve early detection and ensure a coordinated response to any suspected case.
According to him, surveillance has been intensified at entry points, including the airport and border communities, while public awareness campaigns and refresher training for healthcare workers are being strengthened.
The Commissioner urged residents not to panic or resort to unproven preventive measures, such as drinking salt water or bathing with salt water, stressing that these practices do not prevent Ebola infection.
He explained that Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person who is experiencing symptoms, as well as through contaminated materials. Contact with certain infected animals can also pose a risk.
Dr Obidike advised residents experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, weakness, muscle pain and joint pain, particularly after possible exposure, to seek prompt medical attention.
He noted that these symptoms could resemble those of malaria and other illnesses, making early medical assessment important.
He further assured the public that the Ministry was working closely with relevant health partners to strengthen preparedness, surveillance and response capacity across the state.
The Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information and promptly report suspected cases through the designated emergency hotlines, **08038818131 and 08039595988**.
