The Plateau State Government has stepped up preparations to prevent a possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), directing health authorities to strengthen disease surveillance, revive public awareness campaigns and prepare isolation facilities for suspected cases.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the state’s preparedness following reports of an imported Ebola case in Nigeria.
Ba’amlong said the government was taking precautionary measures to protect residents, stressing the importance of early detection, public cooperation and a coordinated response to emerging health threats.
He explained that previous public sensitisation campaigns, including radio jingles, were being revived to educate residents on Ebola symptoms, transmission and preventive measures.
The commissioner added that the state was producing information, education and communication materials to improve public understanding of the disease and discourage the spread of misinformation.
As part of the response, the government plans to deploy funds previously released for Ebola containment through the State Epidemiology Unit to strengthen preparedness and response activities.
Ba’amlong said the unit had been directed to review preventive measures at the airport and reinforce disease surveillance in local government areas bordering neighbouring states.
Health facilities in border communities, including areas around Naraguta, are also being alerted to promptly identify and report suspected cases to the appropriate authorities.
The government has identified isolation facilities at Plateau Specialist Hospital and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for the management of suspected Ebola cases.
The Ministry of Health is also strengthening infection prevention and control measures, including training for healthcare workers to ensure they can manage suspected cases while minimising the risk of transmission within health facilities.
Ba’amlong noted that the state’s airport and interstate borders required heightened vigilance, adding that effective surveillance and timely reporting would be critical to preventing the disease from spreading into Plateau.
Ebola is a severe viral disease transmitted primarily through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of infected people who have developed symptoms, or through contaminated materials. Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The government urged residents to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid contact with the bodily fluids of suspected cases and seek prompt medical assessment if they develop compatible symptoms following possible exposure. It also advised the public to rely on verified information from health authorities rather than spread rumours.
The state government called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with public health officials, assuring them that surveillance and preparedness measures were being strengthened to protect communities across Plateau State.
