The Cross River State Government has called on residents to remain calm and observe strict infection prevention and control measures amid reports of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, assuring the public that no case has been reported in the state.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, gave the assurance on behalf of the Ministry of Health, while announcing intensified disease surveillance and active case search to strengthen the state’s preparedness and ensure the early detection of any suspected case.
Ekpenyong said the state was strengthening its surveillance system as a precautionary measure, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with health authorities to safeguard public health.
She stressed the importance of strict infection prevention and control (IPC) compliance in homes, workplaces, public institutions and other public spaces, noting that adherence to preventive measures was essential to reducing the risk of infectious disease transmission.
The State Epidemiologist also urged residents and media practitioners to obtain information from authorised sources, particularly the Cross River State Ministry of Health, and refrain from circulating unverified reports capable of causing unnecessary fear and panic.
She disclosed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) was expected to issue an official advisory on the situation, urging the public to rely on verified updates from relevant health authorities.
Recalling Nigeria’s response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak, Ekpenyong expressed confidence in the country’s capacity to contain the disease through effective surveillance, early detection and coordinated public health interventions.
“The Nigeria health system successfully contained the Ebola outbreak in 2014. We can do it again!” she said, calling for collective responsibility in protecting communities against potential health threats.
She urged residents to remain alert and promptly report suspected cases to the appropriate health authorities for professional assessment and necessary action, rather than spreading rumours or attempting to manage suspected cases without medical guidance.
Ekpenyong emphasised that health security was everyone’s responsibility, adding that public cooperation, strict adherence to infection prevention measures and timely reporting of suspected cases would be critical to the state’s preparedness and response efforts.
The state government reiterated the importance of remaining calm while taking necessary precautions, assuring residents that surveillance activities were being intensified to protect public health and ensure a timely response to any potential threat.
By Kingsley Agim
