The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) and placed health authorities on high alert following a reported case of imported Ebola in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Director-General of KNCDC, Prof. Muhammad Adamu-Abbas, disclosed this in a public advisory issued in Kano on Tuesday, assuring residents that the state was prepared to respond to any potential public health threat.
According to Adamu-Abbas, the Federal Government had confirmed one imported Ebola case in Abuja, adding that the patient had been isolated and was receiving medical care. He further stated that 44 people who had close contact with the patient had been identified and were being monitored daily.
“Here in Kano, the KNCDC Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) is on high alert. There is no need to panic, but we must all be careful and act quickly,” the director-general said.
He urged residents to remain calm while complying with public health guidelines designed to prevent the introduction or spread of the disease in the state.
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KNCDC Warns Against Self-Medication
The KNCDC boss advised residents who develop symptoms consistent with Ebola, particularly those who have travelled or had contact with a suspected or confirmed case, to seek immediate guidance from health officials rather than resorting to self-medication.
He cautioned against visiting pharmacies, chemists or local drug shops to treat suspected Ebola symptoms without proper medical assessment.
Adamu-Abbas also advised people with suspected infections to avoid public transportation, including buses, taxis, tricycles popularly known as Keke, and Adaidaita, to reduce the risk of exposing other people while seeking assistance.
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He stressed the importance of promptly notifying health authorities so that suspected cases could be assessed and managed safely.
Symptoms of Ebola Infection
The director-general listed the symptoms of Ebola to include sudden high fever, extreme weakness, severe headache, body and joint pains, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and unexplained bleeding.
He urged residents to take these warning signs seriously, particularly when accompanied by a history of travel to an affected area or contact with someone who is sick.
The KNCDC emphasized that anyone experiencing a fever and other warning signs after a possible exposure should immediately contact health officials for guidance.
How Ebola Spreads
Adamu-Abbas explained that Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person when these fluids enter the body through the eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.
He added that infection could also occur through contact with contaminated clothing, bedding and other surfaces soiled with the body fluids of an infected person.
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The director-general warned residents against touching sick people or their belongings without appropriate protective measures and urged them to avoid contact with the bodies of people who may have died from the disease.
He also advised residents to practice regular handwashing with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds as part of efforts to reduce the risk of infection.
Residents Urged to Observe Preventive Measures
As part of the preventive measures, Adamu-Abbas advised residents to maintain good personal hygiene, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid direct contact with potentially infected individuals or contaminated materials.
He further cautioned against eating bushmeat and advised residents who consume meat to purchase it from hygienic markets and ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
The KNCDC boss reiterated that anyone who develops a fever alongside other Ebola warning signs, especially after travelling or coming into contact with a sick person, should not remain at home or attempt to manage the symptoms through self-medication.
Instead, residents were advised to contact health authorities immediately for appropriate assessment and further instructions.
KNCDC Releases Emergency Contact Channels
To facilitate prompt reporting and response, the centre provided several channels through which residents can contact health officials if they suspect an Ebola infection.
Residents can reach the KNCDC through its emergency contact number, 07077974504, or by email at kanocdc@gmail.com. They can also contact the centre through its social media accounts under the handle kano_cde on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Alternatively, residents can contact their Local Government Area Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) or report to a health facility for professional guidance.
The centre urged the public to provide timely information about suspected cases to support early detection and appropriate response.
Health Facilities Directed to Strengthen Infection Prevention
In a related development, Adamu-Abbas called on public, private, faith-based and military health facilities across Kano State to remain vigilant and strengthen their preparedness for any suspected Ebola case.
He directed the facilities to ensure strict compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols, stressing that health workers must consistently observe established safety procedures to protect patients, healthcare personnel and the wider community.
The director-general warned against compromising IPC standards, noting the importance of maintaining effective infection prevention measures in all healthcare settings.
The activation of the PHEOC is intended to strengthen preparedness, surveillance and coordination among relevant health authorities as Kano State responds to the reported case in Abuja.
Residents have been urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and follow guidance issued by official health authorities.
