By Divine Sam
The Yobe State Government has intensified its disease surveillance and activated emergency response measures to prevent a possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, assuring residents that no case has been recorded in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Mohammed Lawan Gana, gave the assurance on Monday in Damaturu during a press briefing. He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hadiza Sabo.
According to the commissioner, the government has activated the Public Health Emergency Incident Management System and developed a comprehensive preparedness and response plan to ensure a swift response should any suspected case emerge.
He explained that the emergency response is being coordinated through the Emergency Operations Centre and guided by the technical pillars prescribed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
As part of the preventive measures, the state is strengthening surveillance at border entry points and improving cooperation with border and transport authorities to facilitate early detection and rapid response to potential health threats.
Sabo explained that Yobe’s proximity to an international border makes increased vigilance necessary to guard against the possible spread of infectious diseases.
The state’s preparedness plan covers coordination and management, disease surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, laboratory support, risk communication and monitoring at points of entry.
The government is also stepping up public awareness campaigns through radio and television broadcasts, town announcers and traditional rulers to educate residents on preventive measures and the importance of promptly reporting suspected illnesses.
Advising residents on how to protect themselves, Sabo said: “Residents should practice regular hand washing, avoid contact with body fluids of symptomatic persons and promptly report strange illnesses or deaths at the nearest health facility.”
She also warned against circulating unverified information about Ebola on social media, urging the public to rely on official updates from the Yobe State Ministry of Health and the NCDC.
The government said the measures were intended to strengthen preparedness, prevent panic and ensure that any potential health threat is identified and addressed promptly.
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