Anambra State Sends Nurses to Airport, Launches Ebola Hotlines

The Anambra State Government has sent nurses to Chinua Achebe International and Cargo Airport. They have also set up emergency hotlines to improve monitoring and response to possible Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases.

The Health Commissioner, Afam Obidike, shared this news with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Awka.

He reassured residents that the government is boosting measures to stop the virus from entering the state.

Mr Obidike asked residents to report any suspected cases using the emergency hotlines.

He mentioned that the ministry is working with the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria, among others.

According to him, this partnership will help with monitoring, early detection, and managing suspected cases.

"The state has increased monitoring at entry points, including the airport and border communities.

"We have ramped up public awareness campaigns and refresher training for healthcare workers."

The commissioner warned residents against using unproven preventive methods, like drinking or bathing with salt water. He emphasized that these actions cannot prevent Ebola infection.

He clarified that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood and other fluids of an infected person showing symptoms, contaminated objects, and certain infected animals.

Mr Obidike advised anyone with symptoms such as fever, headache, weakness, muscle pain, or joint pain, especially after possible exposure, to seek medical help quickly.

He noted that these symptoms can look like malaria and other diseases, so getting checked early is very important.

The commissioner called on residents to stay alert, avoid sharing unverified information, and quickly report suspected cases through the emergency hotlines.