Ebola: Plateau reactivates isolation centres, strengthens surveillance

By Golok Nanmwa JOS – The Plateau State Government has reactivated isolation centres, intensified public awareness campaigns and strengthened disease surveillance as part of measures to prevent the spread of Ebola into the state. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this during a press briefing, saying the government had also directed its emergency preparedness team to assess safety measures at the airport and alert local government areas bordering neighbouring states.

“Residents should maintain proper hygiene and avoid contact with potentially infected persons,” Ba’amlong said. “Maintain good hygiene, wash your hands regularly and avoid direct contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected infected persons,” he urged. “Remain vigilant and report suspected cases to health authorities,” the commissioner said, stressing that public cooperation was critical to preventing the spread of the disease.” ” The measures were announced alongside 10 resolutions approved at the 12th Plateau State Council on Health meeting held last week “ “The resolutions include establishing a state health trust fund, strengthening disease surveillance, addressing shortages of health workers and establishing an emergency fund for public health threats,” Ba’amlong said.

He added, “These measures are aimed at strengthening the state’s preparedness to respond to disease outbreaks and improving the delivery of healthcare services to residents.” The commissioner urged residents to “follow public health guidance and report suspected cases promptly to health authorities.”