Plateau Reactivates Ebola Isolation Centres, Intensifies Surveillance

The Plateau State Government has reactivated isolation centres, intensified public awareness campaigns and strengthened disease surveillance to prevent the spread of Ebola into the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this in an interview with LEADERSHIP in Jos, 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.

Ba’amlong urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and avoid contact with people suspected of having the disease, particularly their blood and other body fluids.

“Maintain good hygiene, wash your hands regularly and avoid direct contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected infected persons,” he said.

The commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases promptly to health authorities, stressing that public cooperation was critical to preventing the spread of the disease.

He said the measures were announced alongside 10 resolutions approved at the 12th Plateau State Council on Health meeting held last week.

According to him, the resolutions include establishing a state health trust fund, strengthening disease surveillance, addressing shortages of health workers and creating an emergency fund to respond to public health threats.

“These measures are aimed at strengthening the state’s preparedness to respond to disease outbreaks and improving the delivery of healthcare services to residents,” Ba’amlong said.

He reiterated the need for residents to comply with public health guidance and report suspected cases promptly to the relevant health authorities.