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- Government cautions against rumour mongering, urges residents to rely on official health information
By Billy Abel, Yola
The Adamawa State Government has intensified preparedness against the potential threat of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), activating emergency response structures and strengthening disease surveillance across the state’s 21 local government areas.
The measures include the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre, the Infectious Disease Centre and the Rapid Response Team to enhance the state’s capacity to detect, assess and respond promptly to any suspected case.
The Information Officer of the Adamawa State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Abubakar Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued in Yola on Thursday, as the government stepped up efforts to safeguard public health and prevent the possible spread of the disease.
According to Mohammed, disease surveillance officers and notification focal persons have been directed to intensify monitoring and promptly report suspected cases to the relevant authorities.
He said healthcare workers had also been instructed to maintain a high index of suspicion when assessing patients presenting with fever, particularly those with a relevant travel history or contact with suspected cases.
Mohammed explained that the activation of the Infectious Disease Centre would facilitate the assessment, isolation and management of suspected cases, with infection prevention and control measures given priority.
He added that the Emergency Operations Centre would coordinate preparedness activities, strengthen collaboration among relevant agencies and ensure a timely and effective response to any emerging threat.
As part of the preventive measures, the government plans to intensify public awareness campaigns through conventional media, social media platforms and community-based structures to educate residents on the symptoms, transmission and prevention of the disease.
Mohammed listed the symptoms of Ebola to include sudden fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Unexplained bleeding may also occur in some cases.
He said symptoms typically develop between two and 21 days after exposure to the virus, although they often appear within eight to 10 days.
The ministry’s spokesperson, however, clarified that fever alone does not indicate Ebola infection, urging residents who develop compatible symptoms following possible exposure to seek prompt medical assessment.
He advised residents to avoid contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected cases, maintain proper hand hygiene and cooperate with health workers in the event of any suspected infection.
Mohammed also cautioned against the spread of unverified information, urging residents to obtain updates from the Ministry of Health and Human Services and other recognised health authorities.
He called on traditional and religious leaders, market associations, transport operators, development partners, civil society organisations and the media to support the government’s sensitisation efforts by disseminating accurate information and promoting preventive practices within their respective communities.
He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that surveillance and response measures were being strengthened to protect public health.
