Abuakwa South MP calls for strengthened border surveillance amid Ebola concerns
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa South, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, has urged the government to strengthen surveillance at the country’s borders following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Nigeria.
The Lagos State Government has tightened disease surveillance and bolstered readiness to counter potential Ebola Virus Disease cases, allaying residents' fears of panic. The government pledged to enhance surveillance, risk communication, and community involvement, while collaborating with agencies at entry points like the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi assured residents to stay calm, vigilant, and follow preventive measures. The Ministry of Health, via the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, is elevating surveillance and forging stronger ties with stakeholders to bolster the State's ability to identify and respond to suspected cases.
Abayomi emphasized that Ebola could be fatal and is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, or bodies, and via infected animals. Symptoms emerge between two to 21 days post-exposure and include fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in some cases, unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Early symptoms can mimic malaria and other common ailments, so anyone displaying these signs should seek immediate medical attention. Residents are urged to wash hands frequently, avoid contact with infected persons' body fluids, refrain from handling potentially contaminated materials, and stay away from deceased wild animals. Travellers from Ebola-affected areas are advised to cooperate with Port Health Services and other authorized officials, provide accurate travel and health details when requested, and comply with public health guidance.
In case of suspected exposure, immediate contact with public health authorities is recommended before visiting a healthcare facility. The Lagos Government remains committed to monitoring developments, reinforcing surveillance and response readiness, coordinating with stakeholders, and providing verified updates as necessary.
Written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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