Ebola: Oyo Govt. assures residents of safety amid concerns

The Oyo State Government has assured residents of its readiness to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to any potential threat of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The state commissioner for health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, stated this in a statement in Ibadan on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement followed recent reports of Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and confirmed cases in Uganda.

The commissioner stated that although Nigeria had not recorded any case of EVD, the state government is closely monitoring developments.

She added that the government has activated all necessary measures to safeguard residents’ health, noting that preparedness remains the most effective line of defence against disease outbreaks.

According to her, the Gov. Seyi Makinde-led administration remains fully committed to protecting the lives and well-being of all citizens; hence, public health security remains the government’s priority.

The commissioner disclosed that disease surveillance activities have been strengthened across the state’s 33 local government areas, with health facilities placed on heightened alert.

Ajetunmobi said Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), rapid response teams, laboratories, and other critical response structures have been mobilised and are on standby for prompt action if needed.

She further revealed that the EVD Technical Working Group has been activated, while all critical preparedness pillars have been strengthened to ensure the state remains fully prepared for any eventuality.

She called on healthcare workers, public and private health facilities, traditional and religious leaders, community stakeholders, and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected case presenting with symptoms.

The commissioner listed the symptoms to include sudden fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, or a history of travel to the affected areas.

She, however, urged residents not to panic, stressing there is currently no confirmed case of EVD in Oyo State or Nigeria.

She reiterated the government’s cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and others.

The working relationship, she said, was to ensure the state remained safe and adequately prepared. (NAN)

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