Benue on Ebola Alert as NMA Urges Hospitals to Activate Emergency Response Measures

By Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Government, hospitals and stakeholders across Benue State have been urged to immediately activate emergency preparedness protocols following renewed Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa, as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Benue State chapter, raised fresh concerns over the deadly virus.

The association issued the warning in a public health advisory signed by its Secretary, Dr. Fanen Dogoh, and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Monday.

The NMA said the alert became necessary after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed fresh outbreaks of Ebola linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Although no case has been recorded in Benue or any part of Nigeria, the association warned that the state must not wait for infections before putting preventive structures in place.

The medical body directed all public, private, mission and specialist hospitals in the state to immediately activate Ebola preparedness measures, including screening points, isolation centres, emergency response systems and adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

According to the association, Ebola remains one of the world’s most dangerous viral haemorrhagic diseases and spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, organs or contaminated materials, including unsafe burial practices.

The NMA cautioned healthcare workers and residents to be alert for symptoms such as sudden fever, severe weakness, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding and rapid deterioration in health condition, especially among persons with recent travel history or exposure to suspected cases.

The association also called on hospitals to intensify surveillance for unexplained fevers and sudden deaths, stressing that suspected cases must be identified early, isolated immediately and reported promptly to relevant public health authorities, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

It further warned that healthcare workers must not handle suspected Ebola patients without proper protective equipment and strict supervision during the wearing and removal of PPE.

The advisory listed essential protective materials to include gloves, impermeable gowns, face shields, surgical masks, aprons, head covers and protective footwear.

While assuring residents that there was no confirmed Ebola case in the state, the NMA urged the public to avoid contact with body fluids of sick persons, shun unsafe burial rites and report suspected symptoms to health authorities without delay.

The association appealed to government agencies, healthcare institutions, community leaders and residents to work together to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness in the state.
“Early detection, rapid response and collective responsibility remain our strongest tools against Ebola disease,” the statement added.