The Cross River State Government has activated emergency measures to prevent the outbreak and spread of Ebola Virus Disease in the state. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists in Calabar on the state's preparedness to check any importation of the virus from Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where an outbreak has occurred.
Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
Dr. Ayuk said the action followed fresh warnings by the Federal Ministry of Health after Ebola outbreaks were reported in Uganda and the DRC. He noted that the outbreak had been declared a public health emergency of international concern under the International Health Regulations 2005. According to him, the ministry has directed state governments to strengthen surveillance and emergency response systems against possible importation of the disease. He added that the state's public health emergency operations centre had been activated in alert mode to ensure rapid detection, reporting, and response to any suspected Ebola case.
Enhanced Surveillance and Screening
The commissioner said authorities are closely monitoring symptomatic persons, travellers from affected countries, and unexplained deaths involving bleeding symptoms. Surveillance and active case searches have been intensified across all local government areas, particularly border communities. He stated, “We are collaborating with neighbouring Cameroon and interstate border authorities for timely information sharing. Health workers, surveillance officers, and port health officials are being sensitised on Ebola detection, reporting, and isolation procedures.” Screening and follow-up of travellers from affected countries have also commenced at airports, seaports, and land borders.
Infection Prevention Measures
Infection prevention measures, including hand hygiene, protective equipment use, and isolation protocols, are being reinforced in health facilities. Dr. Ayuk assured residents that no Ebola case had been recorded in Cross River, urging vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected cases. The Ebola virus disease typically appears two to 21 days after exposure and can progress rapidly, with symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, severe fatigue, muscle and joint pain, severe fever, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea.
