The Delta State Government says it is intensifying measures to prevent and respond to a possible Ebola outbreak, assuring residents that no case of the disease has been recorded in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing, explaining that the government had reviewed its preparedness following reports of a suspected imported Ebola case involving a woman who arrived at the Abuja International Airport from abroad.
Onojaeme said the development prompted an emergency meeting of the state’s health management team to assess existing response mechanisms and identify areas requiring further attention.
“When we received news of the reported case involving a woman who arrived at the Abuja International Airport from abroad, we convened an emergency meeting of the health management team to reassess our preparedness in case of an outbreak in the state,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the state was strengthening disease surveillance, organising training for health workers and conducting advocacy and public sensitisation to improve awareness of the disease.
He added that the government was making arrangements to procure personal protective equipment for health personnel who might be required to handle suspected cases.
“We are taking the necessary steps to ensure that the state is prepared,” Onojaeme stated.
His remarks followed questions from journalists about public awareness and the government’s plans to prepare communities, markets and motor parks for a possible outbreak.
However, the commissioner did not disclose the number of health workers trained, the extent of the sensitisation campaign or the current status of the protective equipment procurement.
He also provided no specific information on isolation and treatment facilities or contact-tracing arrangements, reiterating that no Ebola case had been recorded in Delta State.
The government’s measures come amid growing attention to Ebola preparedness, with early detection, effective public communication and adequate protection for health workers remaining critical to containing any potential outbreak.
