Yobe State has activated its Ebola emergency response system and is strengthening surveillance at border entry points, health officials said on Monday.
Hadiza Sabo, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, outlined the measures at a briefing in Damaturu, representing Health Commissioner Mohammed Lawan Gana.
Sabo said the state had not recorded an Ebola case. Its international border makes coordination with transport operators and border authorities part of the preparations for detecting and reporting possible infections.
The response is being coordinated through the state's Emergency Operations Centre. Officials said it covers surveillance, patient care, infection prevention, laboratory services, communication with communities and monitoring at entry points.
Sabo said surveillance officers across Yobe's 17 local government areas had been placed on alert to investigate reports of possible illness. She also said isolation and treatment facilities across the three senatorial zones had been equipped with medicines and protective equipment.
Frontline health workers have received further training in infection prevention, safe sample collection and clinical care, she said. The ministry is using radio, television, town announcers and traditional leaders to share preventive information.
Residents who notice unusual illness or deaths should report them to the nearest health facility, Sabo said. She advised regular handwashing and avoiding direct contact with the bodily fluids of anyone showing symptoms.
Sources: Channels Television; Daily Trust
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