Yobe Activates Emergency Response System as Precaution Against Ebola

Yobe State has not recorded any case of Ebola Virus Disease, but the state government says it has placed its health system on high alert to prevent any possible outbreak.

The assurance was given on Monday in Damaturu by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Mohammed Lawan Gana, during a press briefing. Gana was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hadiza Sabo.

According to Sabo, proactive steps have already been taken, including the activation of the Public Health Emergency Incident Management System and the development of a detailed preparedness and response plan. She said the response is being coordinated from the Emergency Operations Centre and is built around the six technical pillars recommended by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC): coordination and management, disease surveillance, case management, infection control, laboratory support, and risk communication, alongside point-of-entry monitoring.

Given Yobe’s proximity to an international border, Sabo said the state is scaling up surveillance at entry points and strengthening collaboration with border and transport authorities to ensure early detection and quick response to any health threats.

On public awareness, she said the state is using radio, television, local town announcers and traditional rulers to spread preventive health messages to residents.

“Residents should practice regular hand washing, avoid contact with body fluids of symptomatic persons and promptly report strange illnesses or deaths at the nearest health facility,” Sabo advised.

She also cautioned residents against spreading false information about Ebola on social media, urging them to rely only on updates from the state Ministry of Health and the NCDC to avoid unnecessary panic.