Borno creates rapid response team against Ebola
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Aminiya
The Borno State government in Nigeria has created a rapid response team to quickly detect and contain possible Ebola cases. Two isolation centres have also been planned in Maiduguri, while surveillance, contact tracing and public awareness will be strengthened, according to public health director Goni Imam Ali.
Borno State in north-eastern Nigeria has created a rapid response team to quickly detect and contain any suspected case of Ebola virus disease. The director of public health at the state’s Ministry of Health and Humanitarian Affairs, Goni Imam Ali, announced this in Maiduguri on Tuesday, according to Aminiya.
The team brings together specialists from several areas of public health. It is tasked with strengthening disease surveillance, investigating suspected cases, tracing people who have been in contact with them, organising the safe collection of samples and implementing infection prevention measures.
The Borno government has also planned two isolation centres to care for any suspected patients. The arrangements include providing personal protective equipment, the safe transport of suspected cases, waste management and protecting healthcare workers.
The authorities also plan information, education and communication activities to encourage the early reporting of symptoms. This preparation follows the calls for vigilance issued in Nigeria on 24 October and measures taken by Jos hospital on 25 October in response to the risk of Ebola.
