The Niger State Government has inaugurated an emergency response committee and intensified preparations towards Ebola following the affirmation of an imported case within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Muhammad Bagana, disclosed this on Monday in Minna throughout the inauguration of the Niger State Ebola Virus Disease Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee.
He confused that no Ebola case had been confirmed in Niger State however mentioned the federal government was strengthening surveillance, isolation services and an infection prevention measures.
Bagana mentioned Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago had directed the discharge of funds for a contemporary isolation centre following the outbreak within the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2026.
He added that the federal authorities had supplied N21.6 million to every state, together with Niger, to help preparedness efforts.
The commissioner mentioned the state was strengthening illness surveillance by means of native authorities well being groups, alerting private and non-private well being services, and reviewing preparations for referring suspected instances.
He additionally mentioned the federal government was working with nationwide authorities to strengthen monitoring at Minna airport and related land-border routes, together with Babana in Borgu Local Government Area.
Bagana famous that the state’s proximity to the FCT made early detection and immediate reporting important.
He mentioned the Federal Government confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus illness within the FCT on October 20. According to the newest accessible state of affairs report dated October 24, 53 recognized contacts had been being monitored, whereas a suspected case reported in Rivers State had examined detrimental.
The commissioner charged the newly inaugurated committee with coordinating case investigations, contact tracing, laboratory referrals, medical preparedness and public communication.
He mentioned members can be required to determine clear obligations and submit weekly studies starting the week of October 26.
“Our measure of success will be the status of readiness we can demonstrate, not merely the meetings we hold,” he mentioned.
Bagana urged residents to keep up correct hand hygiene, keep away from contact with the blood and physique fluids of suspected instances, and report doable publicity to well being authorities.
He suggested anybody who developed signs after doable publicity to contact well being authorities by phone earlier than visiting a hospital to permit protected preparations for evaluation.
The commissioner additionally warned towards spreading unverified info or circulating the identities and pictures of suspected sufferers.
Residents can contact the State Director of Public Health on 07034583079, the State Epidemiologist on 08077213070, or the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer on 08075291989. The NCDC nationwide helpline is 6232.
He additional said that the state would proceed working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, FCT authorities, the World Health Organisation and different companions to strengthen preparedness.
