The Cross River State Government has activated emergency preparedness measures to prevent the possible importation and spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following renewed alerts by the Federal Ministry of Health over outbreaks in parts of Africa.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this in Calabar, noting that the state had intensified surveillance and response mechanisms after Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda were declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
According to the commissioner, the Federal Ministry of Health has directed all states to strengthen surveillance and emergency response systems to guard against any potential importation of the disease into Nigeria.
“In Cross River, we have taken proactive steps to ensure the state remains safe and fully prepared for any eventuality. Our response mechanisms have been activated in line with national protocols,” Ayuk said.
He disclosed that the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has activated its Emergency Operations Centre in Alert Mode to facilitate the rapid detection, reporting and response to any suspected Ebola case.
The commissioner said health authorities are on heightened alert for individuals presenting symptoms associated with Ebola, travellers arriving from affected countries, and cases of unexplained illness or death accompanied by bleeding, stressing that such incidents would trigger immediate investigation and response.
Ayuk revealed that surveillance activities and active case searches have been intensified across the state’s 18 local government areas, particularly in border communities, while collaboration with neighbouring Cameroon and adjoining Nigerian states has also been strengthened to improve information sharing and coordinated response.
“As a border state, we are placing special emphasis on surveillance in border communities and strengthening cross-border collaboration to ensure early detection and prompt action where necessary,” he stated.
He further disclosed that surveillance officers, clinicians, healthcare workers and port health officials at airports, land borders and seaports are undergoing sensitisation on Ebola case definitions, reporting procedures, referral systems and isolation protocols.
According to him, the state has also convened a multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre meeting involving stakeholders from the health, animal health, environmental health, port health and security sectors under the One Health Approach to coordinate preparedness efforts.
Ayuk said screening and follow-up of travellers from affected countries have commenced at designated entry points, while infection prevention and control measures are being reinforced across health facilities through improved hand hygiene practices, the deployment of personal protective equipment and strict isolation protocols.
He added that public enlightenment campaigns have also been intensified across communities, markets, churches and social media platforms to raise awareness about preventive measures and the importance of early reporting.
The commissioner disclosed that a costed emergency preparedness plan is being finalised, while information and educational materials are being distributed to healthcare workers and the general public to enhance readiness.
He, however, assured residents that no case of Ebola has been recorded in Cross River State.
“There is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Cross River. Nevertheless, the government remains fully committed to protecting the health of residents through proactive surveillance, early detection and rapid response measures against Ebola and other disease outbreaks,” Ayuk said.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected case to the nearest health facility or relevant health authorities.
