Edo Govt Allays Fears Over Ebola, Warns Against Panic And Misinformation

Edo Govt Allays Fears Over Ebola, Warns Against Panic And Misinformation

Habiba Sam 

The Edo State Government has moved to reassure residents of their safety following reports of a confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country, calling for calm, vigilance and strict compliance with health guidelines.

The assurance was given in Benin City at a press conference held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Health recently, where officials addressed concerns raised by the development.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, was represented at the briefing by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Eighemherio Paul Ikhumosa, who spoke on behalf of the state government.

Dr. Ikhumosa disclosed that the Edo State Ministry of Health is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to closely monitor the situation and ensure the state remains prepared.

According to the briefing, the confirmed case in Nigeria involved a woman who travelled into the country on an international flight from Uganda. She was later admitted to a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, where laboratory investigations confirmed that she had contracted the Ebola Virus Disease.

In his address, Dr. Ikhumosa explained the nature of Ebola to the public, describing it as a highly contagious and severe viral disease that is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or secretions of an infected person, a deceased person who had the disease, or contaminated materials and objects.

He clarified that a person who has contracted the virus but has not yet developed symptoms cannot spread the disease, noting that the incubation period is between two and 21 days after exposure.

The Permanent Secretary said the state government regards the situation as a serious public health matter, which is why it is actively engaging relevant health agencies and partners to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capacity across the state.

He advised residents to avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids of infected persons, to wash their hands regularly with soap and running water, and to use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when water is unavailable.

He also warned against handling the personal effects and belongings of confirmed cases without appropriate protective measures, and urged residents to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.

On symptoms, Dr. Ikhumosa advised anyone who experiences fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain or other signs, especially after a suspected exposure, to promptly seek medical care and follow the directives of healthcare professionals.

He cautioned the public against circulating unverified reports, rumours and false information on social media and other platforms, stressing that such actions could cause unnecessary fear and panic and could undermine the efforts of health authorities.

He appealed to residents to stay alert, remain calm and faithfully observe preventive measures while the government continues to monitor the situation.

Present at the briefing were the Governor's Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu; the Executive Secretary of the Hospitals Management Agency, Nelson Tenebe; Directors of the Ministry of Health; a former Director of Nursing Services, Dr. Aliu Nurudeen; representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO); and Dr. Oguira Osamuede, who represented the Director of Medical Services.