Oyo Govt. issues Ebola advisory, says state 100% free

The Oyo State Government has issued a proactive public health advisory to safeguard residents against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) just as it declared the state 100 per cent Ebola-free.

The advisory was issued by the state Ministry of Health through its Directorate of Public Health and made available to NAN in Ibadan on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi.

Ajetunmobi said the advisory became necessary due to current outbreaks and risks associated with cross-border movements.

The advisory is issued under the administration of Gov. Seyi Makinde and emphasises proactive vigilance and cross-border cooperation

According to the document, extensive land borders and transportation routes pose challenges in monitoring, requiring robust screening and early detection systems to prevent importation.

It issued mandatory operational directives for healthcare workers to maintain high index of suspicion and strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols.

It also directed thorough travel and exposure history assessment, immediate isolation of suspected cases and use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

It equally directed minimising unnecessary exposure, safe handling and transport of specimens per national guidelines and supporting rapid contact tracing.

Healthcare workers were directed to promptly notify the Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO), State DSNO, State Epidemiologist and Director of Public Health in case of suspicion.

For communities, the advisory outlined a four-step emergency protocol for suspected cases identified by sudden fever, exposure or travel history.

“Do not panic and remain calm; isolate safely in a well-ventilated separate room; ensure zero direct contact with fluids, clothing or utensils.

“Notify authorities immediately without waiting for laboratory confirmation”.

It however, warned residents against self-medication, home remedies and herbal treatments, urging trained medical evaluation.

It stressed strict adherence to the Safe Burial Mandate, stating that in the event of any suspected Ebola-related death, residents should not touch, wash or prepare the body.

It added that only trained public health teams are authorised to conduct safe and dignified burial according to national guidelines.

It further clarified that EVD requires direct physical contact with infectious bodily fluids, unsafe burials, infected wildlife including bats and monkeys, bushmeat and contaminated surfaces.

According to the document, the disease does not spread through casual contact and individuals do not transmit before symptoms develop.

Early indicators include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, fatigue, sore throat and loss of appetite, which may resemble malaria or typhoid.

Advanced symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, red eyes, skin rash, difficulty breathing and unexplained bleeding, noting that bleeding does not occur in all cases.

The advisory released the State-wide Emergency Response Directory with Central Command Lines 08033742052, 08025245809 and zonal lines for Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun zones.

It urged residents: “If you see something, say something. Early detection and prompt reporting save lives. Together, we keep Oyo State safe.”