The Taraba State Government has announced plans to introduce fever screening at its airport to forestall and prevent the outbreak of the dreaded Ebola virus in the state.
Ebola surveillance in Taraba State
This was as it has directed public and private health facilities to immediately report suspected Ebola cases as part of efforts to strengthen surveillance on the disease.
The measures followed reports of an Ebola case in Abuja, prompting the state government to intensify preparedness against a possible spread of the disease.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Bordiya Gbansheya Buma, disclosed the steps, saying the government was working with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant authorities to strengthen its response.
Buma directed healthcare facilities across the state to remain vigilant and promptly notify the Ministry of Health of any suspected case to facilitate early detection and appropriate intervention.
He also announced plans to train healthcare workers and expand public awareness campaigns to improve preparedness and reduce the risk of transmission.
The commissioner urged residents to be alert to possible symptoms of Ebola, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, advising anyone who suspects exposure to the virus to contact health authorities without delay.
He explained that Ebola is a disease that can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is experiencing symptoms.
Consequently, residents were advised to maintain proper hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having the disease.
Buma also warned against the spread of rumours and unverified information, as well as the stigmatisation of suspected Ebola patients.
He called on residents to cooperate with health officials during contact-tracing exercises and other public health interventions.
While urging residents to remain calm, the commissioner assured them that the government was taking precautionary steps to strengthen the state’s preparedness in response to the reported development in Abuja.
Residents seeking verified information or wishing to report suspected cases were advised to contact the NCDC’s toll-free line on 6232, which operates round the clock.
