FG ORDERS AGENCIES TO STEP UP EBOLA AWARENESS

The Federal Government has directed relevant agencies to intensify Ebola awareness, as health authorities work to prevent further infections following the confirmation of a case in Abuja.

The move puts public information at the centre of the response, alongside surveillance, contact tracing and infection-control measures.

Clear awareness campaigns can help people understand how Ebola spreads, recognise possible symptoms and know how to seek medical assistance safely.

Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola on October 20 in a woman who had recently travelled from Uganda. Authorities activated response measures to investigate the infection and identify people who may have been exposed.

The World Health Organization has clarified that one imported case does not, by itself, mean Nigeria is experiencing an outbreak.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected blood or other body fluids, or contaminated materials. Early symptoms can resemble other illnesses, making professional assessment and laboratory testing important.

Anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure should promptly contact health authorities and explain their exposure history before visiting a health facility, so safe assessment can be arranged.

Accurate information is also essential to preventing rumours and stigma. People being monitored as contacts are not automatically infected, and patients and their families should be treated with dignity.

The awareness drive will be most useful when messages are easy to understand, available in local languages and clear about where people can obtain help.