Zamfara State Government has intensified surveillance at Gusau airport, major motor parks and other entry points after a passenger returning from Saudi Arabia was found with a body temperature of 38°C.
Gatekeepers News reports that the state’s Commissioner for Health, Nafisa Maradun, disclosed this on Friday, October 23, while leading a medical team to launch passenger screening at Gusau airport.
According to reports by TheCable and Channels Television, the passenger, an indigene of Zamfara State, was identified during the screening exercise and referred for further medical assessment.
The state government has since deployed medical personnel to major transport hubs and directed health facilities to strengthen their preparedness for the early detection and reporting of suspected Ebola cases.
The measures follow the Federal Government’s confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, raising concerns about the need for increased disease surveillance across the country.
The Zamfara Ministry of Health has also directed disease surveillance officers across the state’s 14 local government areas to intensify monitoring and ensure the prompt reporting of suspected cases.
Public and private health facilities have been instructed to strengthen screening, triage, infection prevention and control procedures, as well as arrangements for the safe referral of suspected patients.
The government is also collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and transport workers to improve surveillance at entry points and identify travellers who may require medical attention.
Residents have been urged to remain calm, cooperate with health officials and report concerning symptoms to appropriate health facilities.
However, an elevated body temperature does not confirm Ebola infection, and the available reports do not establish that the passenger tested positive for the virus.
The state government’s measures are aimed at strengthening early detection and preventing a potential spread of the disease.
