The Cross River Government has activated emergency measures to prevent the outbreak and spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists in Calabar on the state’s preparedness to prevent any importation of the virus from Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where outbreaks have occurred.
Ayuk said the action followed recent warnings from the Federal Ministry of Health after Ebola outbreaks were reported in Uganda and DRC.
He noted that the outbreak had been declared a public health emergency of international concern under the International Health Regulations 2005.
According to him, the ministry has directed state governments to strengthen surveillance and emergency response systems against possible importation of the disease.
He added that “our state’s public health emergency operations center has activated its alert mode.
“This move will ensure rapid detection, reporting, and response to any suspected Ebola case.”
The commissioner said authorities were closely monitoring symptomatic persons, travelers from affected countries, and unexplained deaths involving bleeding symptoms.
He explained that surveillance and active case searches had been intensified across all local government areas, especially border communities.
He added, “We are collaborating with neighboring Cameroon and interstate border authorities for timely information sharing. Health workers, surveillance officers, and port health officials are being sensitized on Ebola detection, reporting, and isolation procedures.”
Screening and follow-up of travelers from affected countries have also begun at airports, seaports, and land borders.
Infection prevention measures, including hand hygiene, use of protective equipment, and isolation protocols, are being reinforced in health facilities.
Ayuk assured residents that no Ebola cases had been recorded in Cross River, urging vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
EVD symptoms typically appear two to 21 days after exposure and can progress rapidly, with signs such as sudden fever onset, severe fatigue, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
