By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The National Orientation Agency in Benue State, North Central Nigeria has issued a public health advisory urging residents to remain vigilant over the heightened global risk of Ebola Virus Disease amid growing concerns about cross-border transmission through international travel.
The State Director of the agency, Mark Dewua, assured residents in a statement that no confirmed case of Ebola has been recorded in Nigeria at the moment.
He explained that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has nevertheless placed the country on high alert as a precautionary measure, stressing the need for public awareness and preparedness.
According to him, Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often deadly illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected persons or animals.
He urged residents to watch out for symptoms such as sudden fever, weakness, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding, and to seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs appear.
The agency urged members of the public to maintain regular hand washing, avoid contact with persons showing symptoms of illness, refrain from handling body fluids without protection, and avoid consuming dead animals or bushmeat.
The directorate also encouraged residents to maintain proper hygiene, and promptly report any suspected cases to health authorities, and to rely only on verified information from official government sources.
He further advised healthcare workers across Benue State to strictly observe infection prevention and control measures, as well as use appropriate protective equipment, and report suspected cases through official surveillance channels.
Comrade Dewua reassured residents of the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and called on the public to remain calm, cooperate with health authorities, and support efforts aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola in Benue State and across Nigeria.