Ebola: Enugu intensifies surveillance at Akanu Ibiam Airport

Enugu State authorities have heightened surveillance measures at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and other entry points into the state in response to the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Uganda. The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, announced that proactive steps are being taken to prevent the virus's importation and spread.

These measures include monitoring all points of entry and designating a specific isolation facility to manage any suspected cases within the state's territory. Ugwu stressed that while Nigeria currently has no confirmed Ebola cases, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has identified Enugu State as a high-risk area because of the international airport's presence.

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The state cannot afford complacency and must remain vigilant in the face of emerging public health threats.

The Ministry of Health plans to scale up risk communication and public awareness campaigns, engaging communities, healthcare workers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media. The goal is to disseminate accurate information regarding Ebola prevention, symptoms, and reporting procedures. Residents are urged to practice strict hygiene and report any suspected symptoms promptly.

The World Health Organisation State Coordinator, Dr. Adaeze Ugwu, commended the state government's preparedness. The activation of emergency response centers follows renewed global health vigilance due to the Sudan ebolavirus strain outbreak in East Africa. Nigeria successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014, which was imported by a Liberian diplomat, resulting in 20 confirmed cases and eight fatalities.

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Surveillance activities need to be intensified in all Points of Entry, especially at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, where health officials are working closely with relevant stakeholders to monitor travellers and promptly identify any potential health risks.