Plateau reactivates Ebola isolation centres as precaution, no case reported
- Plateau State has reactivated isolation centres and stepped up disease surveillance to keep Ebola out.
- Health commissioner Nicholas Ba'amlong said no Ebola case has been reported in the state.
- Residents were urged to wash hands often and avoid contact with blood and body fluids of suspected cases.
Plateau State has reactivated its isolation centres and strengthened disease surveillance as a precaution against Ebola, the state's Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba'amlong, said on Monday.
No case of the virus has been reported in the state, he said. The measures are preventive, and he asked residents to report any suspected case to health authorities promptly.
Speaking in Jos, Ba'amlong said the government had also intensified public awareness campaigns and directed its emergency preparedness team to check safety measures at the airport. Local government areas bordering neighbouring states have been put on alert.
He advised residents to keep good hygiene, wash their hands regularly and avoid direct contact with the blood and body fluids of anyone suspected of being infected.
"Remain vigilant and report suspected cases to health authorities," he said, adding that public cooperation was critical to keeping the disease out.
What it means for residents
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, or with contaminated surfaces and materials. Early symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting and unusual bleeding. Anyone with these signs and a possible exposure should go to a health facility immediately rather than treat themselves at home.
The commissioner said the Ebola steps were announced alongside 10 resolutions approved at the 12th Plateau State Council on Health meeting held last week.
Those resolutions include setting up a state health trust fund, strengthening disease surveillance, tackling shortages of health workers and creating an emergency fund for public health threats.
According to Ba'amlong, the measures are meant to improve the state's readiness for disease outbreaks and the delivery of healthcare to residents.
What happens next
The state's emergency preparedness team is expected to assess safety measures at the airport, while border local government areas watch for suspected cases. Residents are asked to follow public health guidance and report suspected cases to health authorities.
