Enugu State has intensified its preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease by activating surveillance measures at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and other points of entry, despite having no confirmed case of the infection.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. George Ugwu, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on the state’s readiness following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
Ugwu said Enugu had begun precautionary measures before Nigeria confirmed the latest case, adding that the state was already engaging airport authorities and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen disease monitoring.
He explained that the state had activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, commenced public awareness activities and strengthened coordination with officials at key entry points.
The commissioner said the government would intensify its surveillance and response measures to ensure that any suspected case could be detected and managed promptly.
Enugu is among the states identified by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as being at high risk of Ebola importation because of the presence of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, which receives international travellers.
As part of its preparedness plan, the state has also designated an isolation facility for suspected cases and strengthened monitoring of travellers arriving through the airport.
In June, Ugwu met with officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Port Health Services and airport safety authorities to address gaps in surveillance and contact tracing.
During the meeting, he called for improved reporting of airport surveillance activities to national health authorities and the introduction of health declaration forms for incoming passengers.
Ugwu’s experience in Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak has also informed his appointment to the Federal Government’s Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Prevention.
Meanwhile, national health authorities have commenced contact tracing following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja, with 44 contacts identified so far.
The Enugu State Government says it will continue to strengthen its preparedness and response efforts to prevent the possible spread of the virus into the state.
