News Investigators/ The Niger Ministry of Health has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) following a confirmed outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The state Commissioner for Health, Murtala Muhammad-Bagana, made the disclosure in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Minna.
He emphasised that the state’s proactive measures are aimed at reinforcing surveillance, early detection, and rapid response capacity.
The commissioner said no case of Ebola has been detected in the state, but there was a need to take precautionary measures against transmission.
According to him, the emergency posture followed the Federal Government’s confirmation of an identified Ebola case involving a traveler who recently arrived from Uganda.
Mr Mohammed-Bagana noted that Niger’s high level of vigilance was critical due to the frequent transit and trade volume between the state and neighbouring Abuja.
“To ensure state-wide readiness, the ministry is actively collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other key international partners,“ he said.
According to him, all public and private health facilities across the state have been directed to immediately report any suspected case.
He disclosed that Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and response teams have been deployed to bolster contact tracing, clinical assessment, and safe referral protocols.
“Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been reinforced across all health centres to protect frontline workers and patients,” he stressed.
The commissioner appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid panic, and strictly practice public hygiene, particularly frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
He advised residents to avoid direct contact with the blood or body fluids of any individual exhibiting symptoms.
He also warned residents to refrain from spreading unverified rumors or stigmatising individuals being evaluated by public health officials.
The commissioner advised anyone exhibiting symptoms or suspecting potential exposure to immediately self-isolate and contact public health authorities through the emergency hotlines before visiting a medical facility.