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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Benue State chapter, has issued a public health advisory calling on healthcare workers, hospitals, laboratories and members of the public to be vigilant following the reported re-emergence of Ebola disease in parts of Central and East Africa.
The association made this call in a statement signed by the secretary, Dr Fanen Dogoh, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday.
According to the association, the advisory became necessary after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared fresh outbreaks of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The association noted that although no confirmed case has been reported in Benue State or elsewhere in Nigeria, there is a need for immediate preparedness and strict compliance with infection prevention and control protocols.
The NMA noted that Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, organs or contaminated materials of infected persons, including unsafe handling of corpses during burial rites.
The association warned healthcare workers and the public to watch out for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding, confusion and sudden deterioration, especially among persons with recent travel history to affected regions or contact with suspected cases.
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They urged all public, private, mission and specialist hospitals in the state to immediately activate Ebola preparedness measures, including functional triage and screening systems, designated isolation centres, adequate supply of personal protective equipment and emergency response protocols.
The association further advised healthcare facilities to strengthen infection prevention and control systems, intensify surveillance for unexplained fevers and unusual deaths, and ensure that suspected cases are identified early, isolated immediately and reported promptly to relevant public health authorities, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The NMA also stressed the importance of protecting healthcare workers, warning that no medical personnel should manage suspected Ebola cases without proper protective equipment and supervision during the use and removal of PPE.
The advisory listed recommended protective items to include gloves, impermeable gowns, face shields, surgical masks, head covers, aprons and protective footwear.
They reassured residents that there was no cause for panic and called on members of the public to avoid contact with body fluids of sick persons, refrain from unsafe burial practices and promptly report suspected illnesses to health authorities.
The NMA appealed to government agencies, healthcare institutions, community leaders and citizens to work collectively to strengthen disease preparedness and prevent possible outbreaks in the state, saying: “Early detection, rapid response and collective responsibility remain our strongest tools against Ebola disease.”
