Ebola: Anambra monitors seven persons of interest

Politics Spice Special Features Education Sex & Relationship Interview Columns Opinion Advertise with us Ebola: Anambra monitors seven persons of interest Health October 21, 2026 6:42 pm File photo: Health workers in Ebola kits

Following the reported case of Ebola in Abuja, the Anambra State government said the state Epidemiology Unit has commenced the reinforcement, preparedness and continuous monitoring of persons of interest, referred to the state through the national surveillance system.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, stated this during a press briefing and meeting of health authorities, in Awka, on Wednesday.

Obidike said at the moment, the state has zero reported case of the disease.

He said the exercise forms part of the state’s efforts to identify symptoms early, promptly investigate alerts and reduce the risk of transmission, pointing out that surveillance officials have triggered alerts in places such as the airport, markets, motor parks, banks and other public places.

He explained that persons of interest were individuals identified for public health follow-up because of relevant travel or exposure history, emphasising that being placed under monitoring does not mean that a person has Ebola.

He stressed that these individuals should not be stigmatised or described as confirmed cases, explaining that under the coordination, the state designated surveillance officers have been assigned persons of interest for follow-up throughout the prescribed 21-day monitoring period.

He said, “The Anambra State Ministry of Health has taken note of the announcement of a laboratory-confirmed case of Ebola in Abuja. We urge residents to remain calm, remain vigilant and cooperate with public health authorities.

“As at time of report, Anambra currently has Zero reported case. Anambra State’s preparedness efforts began before this development. The state Epidemiology Unit commenced follow-up and monitoring of persons of interest referred to the State through the national surveillance system.

“The monitoring process provides for regular communication, symptom checks, documentation of follow-up findings and immediate escalation of any health concern requiring further assessment.”

According to him, this follow-up will continue for several months, with the State Epidemiologist and other designated officers directly participating in the monitoring exercise.

“The Ministry appreciates the cooperation of individuals being monitored and emphasises that their identities and personal health information must remain confidential.

“As of 20/10/2026, Anambra State has followed up 40 persons of interest. Of these, 33 have completed their monitoring period and have all been cleared, while seven remain under active follow-up. The seven under active follow up are all stable as at time of this report.

“Beyond individual monitoring, the State has undertaken preparedness work to support a coordinated response. Members of the surveillance team have participated in the NCDC-led two-day online training on persons-of-interest monitoring.

“This has supported the team’s understanding of follow-up procedures, documentation, reporting and escalation requirements,” he added.

The commissioner also explained that preparation and monitoring response had been triggered at the airports, banks, motor parks, markets and other public spaces, adding that plans are ongoing to sensitise the people to causes of Ebola and the need to stay away from them.

“In addition, Anambra State has developed an Ebola preparedness and operational plan to guide further action. The plan identifies priorities for surveillance, rapid response, infection prevention and control, laboratory coordination, referral arrangements, risk communication and logistics. Implementation of these priorities will be guided by assessed needs and available resources.

“Our surveillance network across the 21 Local Government Areas remains central to preparedness. We call on Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, health facilities and community reporting structures to remain alert and promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths for public health assessment.

“Healthcare workers should maintain standard infection prevention and control precautions with every patient, obtain relevant travel and exposure histories, and promptly notify the appropriate surveillance authorities when Ebola is suspected.

“Suspected patients should be managed using appropriate precautions, with referral coordinated through the designated public health channels.”

He added, “Residents who develop fever or other concerning symptoms after relevant travel or contact with a suspected Ebola patient should promptly contact health authorities and disclose that history.

“They should call ahead before attending a health facility so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

“We urge residents to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with the blood or body fluids of sick persons, and avoid handling the bodies of people who have died from an unexplained illness. Please rely on verified information and avoid circulating rumours or identifying individuals under monitoring.

“Anambra State’s preparedness depends on early reporting, cooperation and trust. The Ministry will continue to provide updates as verified information becomes available.”

The health authorities and partners at the meeting included the WHO, UNICEF, MSF, the Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria, NCDC, and the State Ministry of Health, where they discussed emergency preparedness for infectious diseases like Ebola and Lassa fever.

Ikenna Obianeri is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 10 years of experience in reporting and storytelling. He conducts incisive interviews, covers crime and environmental issues, and produces engaging feature stories tailored for digital audiences. Ikenna’s work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to impactful, audience-focused journalism

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