Ebola: Oyo Activates Emergency Response, Places Hospitals On Alert

The Oyo State government has assured residents of its preparedness to prevent, detect and respond effectively to any potential threat of Ebola virus disease.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, who made the assurance in a statement on Thursday said, “Although Nigeria has not recorded any case of Ebola virus disease, the state government is closely monitoring developments and had activated necessary preparedness measures to safeguard the health of residents.”

Ajetunmobi, in the statement signed by Commissioner for Information, Prince Oyelade, reiterated Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and wellbeing of all citizens, stressing that public health security remains a top priority of the government.

“Disease surveillance activities have been strengthened across 33 local government areas of the state, while health facilities have been placed on heightened alert. Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, Rapid Response Teams, laboratories, and other critical response structures had been mobilised and positioned for prompt action, should the need arise,” she said.

The commissioner further revealed that the Ebola Virus Disease Technical Working Group had been activated, while all critical preparedness pillars had been strengthened to ensure the state remains fully prepared for any eventuality.

She also called on healthcare workers, public and private health facilities, traditional and religious leaders, community stakeholders, and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected case presenting with symptoms such as sudden fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, or a history of travel to affected areas.

She further urged residents to embrace vigilance, preparedness, and collective responsibility in protecting the health and wellbeing of all citizens.

On May 15, Africa’s top public health body confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The disease has killed no fewer than 65 people with hundreds of suspected cases reported.

The National Center for Disease and Control (NCDC) , while noting that there is no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria, said it has intensified national surveillance and preparedness against cross-border transmission.

Ebola Virus Disease, formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often fatal illness that affects humans and other primates.

It is transmitted through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials, infected animals, and the bodies of deceased victims during burial rites.

Its symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

The NCDC has also advised preventive measures to include, regular washing of hands with soap under cleaning running water, avoiding direct contact with sick individuals and their body fluids, seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms develop, and avoiding contact with or consumption of bush meat and wild animals.