HSES ISSUES PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY, SAYS NO CASE OF CASE OF EBOLA IN ABUJA
By: Prudence Okonna
The Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a public health advisory urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), following alerts and outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring African regions.
The advisory, released on May 18 by the Office of the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), stated that although there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in the FCT.
The advisory further stated that heightened surveillance has become necessary because of the territory’s high population movement and status as Nigeria’s administrative and transportation hub.
According to the communiqué signed by the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Abuja receives a large number of domestic and international travellers daily through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, interstate transport hubs, as well as diplomatic and international business activities, making preparedness essential.
Explaining that Ebola Virus Disease is a severe viral illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated objects or infected animals such as bats and primates.
It clarified that the disease is not spread through the air like influenza or COVID-19 under normal conditions.
Residents are advised to watch out for symptoms such as sudden fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain and sore throat, while later symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, skin rash, bleeding and difficulty breathing.
The FCTA urged anyone experiencing symptoms, especially those with recent travel history to affected regions or contact with suspected cases, to seek medical attention immediately and avoid self-medication or indiscriminate movement between hospitals.
The advisory further disclosed that the FCT Public Health Department has intensified event-based surveillance across the six Area Councils, reinforced infection prevention measures in healthcare facilities, strengthened risk communication activities and maintained coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).
Healthcare institutions are also directed to reinforce triage screening, isolate suspected cases promptly, ensure availability of personal protective equipment and train staff on infection prevention protocols.
The FCTA called on residents to remain calm, avoid spreading rumours and rely only on verified information from the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The administration stressed that vigilance, early detection, proper hygiene and rapid reporting remain the strongest safeguards against the spread of Ebola Virus Disease in the territory.
