Sokoto steps up surveillance despite low Ebola risk
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
Nigeria’s Sokoto State has put its epidemiologists on alert and stepped up surveillance and health centre preparedness in response to the risk of Ebola. Health Commissioner Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno says the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control classifies the state as low-risk, Punch reports.
Sokoto State has stepped up epidemiological surveillance and response measures in view of a potential risk of Ebola virus disease spreading, while maintaining that the state remains classified as low-risk by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Health Commissioner Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno said this on Tuesday, 27 October, after a meeting on the state’s preparedness.
Epidemiologists and surveillance officers have been put on alert, while health facilities have been prepared to receive any suspected cases. Particular attention is being paid to the Illela international border post and Sokoto airport, which currently operates domestic flights, according to the commissioner.
Amanawa Infectious Diseases Hospital has been equipped to isolate and treat suspected patients. The meeting brought together those involved in surveillance, prevention, case management and health communication to assess existing arrangements and address any shortcomings, Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno said.
The measures follow Nigeria’s confirmation of an isolated Ebola case in a female traveller on 23 October. They come as the WHO continues to monitor 52 Ebola contacts in Nigeria, according to a report published on 26 October.
