The National Orientation Agency, NOA, has appealed to residents of Benue State to stay alert and observe precautionary measures following the nationwide Ebola Virus Disease warning issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC.
Benue State Director of the agency, Mark Dewua, stated that although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, there is still concern over possible cross-border transmission due to increased international movement.
“Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or animal,” Dewua said.
He urged members of the public to pay attention to symptoms including sudden fever, weakness, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding, stressing that anyone experiencing such signs should seek urgent medical care.
As part of preventive measures, the agency encouraged residents to maintain regular handwashing with soap and water or make use of hand sanitisers.
The NOA also advised residents to avoid close contact with persons showing symptoms associated with the disease, refrain from handling blood or personal belongings of infected persons without protection, and stay away from dead animals or bushmeat.
Dewua further emphasised the need for proper hygiene practices, prompt reporting of suspected cases to health facilities, and reliance on verified information from recognised health authorities.
The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and urged residents to cooperate fully with health officials in efforts to prevent any possible outbreak in Benue State and across Nigeria.
