The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kaduna has called on residents to remain calm but vigilant following renewed concerns over Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Africa.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Kaduna Director, Danjuma Makama, the public was assured that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the country on heightened surveillance as a precautionary measure.
Makama said the NOA is collaborating with relevant state agencies to ensure accurate and timely information reaches the public. He urged citizens to adopt preventive measures, including regular handwashing with soap and clean running water, or the use of alcohol-based sanitiser where water is unavailable.
“Avoid handling or consuming bushmeat. Ensure all meat is thoroughly cooked. Avoid contact with bodies of persons suspected to have died from EVD, and report such cases to health authorities for safe burial. Maintain good personal and community hygiene at all times,” he said.
The director also warned against spreading rumours and unverified information, advising the public to rely solely on official sources such as the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, the NCDC, and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“Public safety depends on accurate information and responsible action. By staying informed and cooperating with health authorities, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities,” Makama added.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected people or animals, as well as contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.