Ebola: Niger Places Emergency Operations Centre On High Alert

The Niger State Government has placed its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) on heightened alert following a reported case of Ebola Virus Disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and the identification of 44 contacts linked to the case.

The state government said the precautionary measure was aimed at preventing the possible spread of the disease into Niger, which shares a boundary with the FCT.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, disclosed this, explaining that the decision was part of efforts to strengthen disease surveillance, improve early detection and enhance the state’s capacity to respond swiftly to any suspected case.

Bagana reassured residents that no Ebola case had been detected in Niger State, stressing that the heightened emergency posture was a preventive measure rather than a response to a confirmed infection within the state.

The move followed a federal government announcement on Tuesday confirming an Ebola case involving a traveller who had recently arrived from Uganda.

The commissioner said the state’s proximity to Abuja, coupled with frequent movement of people and the high volume of commercial activities between the two locations, made heightened vigilance necessary.

According to him, the increased movement of people between Niger State and the FCT underscores the importance of strengthening monitoring and preparedness to minimise the risk of possible transmission.

To ensure adequate readiness, Bagana said the state Ministry of Health was collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other relevant international partners.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen surveillance, facilitate the early identification of suspected cases and support a coordinated response should the need arise.

The commissioner urged residents to remain calm, noting that the measures being implemented were precautionary and intended to protect public health.

Further details on the state’s preparedness measures are expected to be released by the Ministry of Health.