By Nkechi Eze
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and adhere to public-health guidelines following the reported confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Umar, in an official statement, said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities, were leading the national response to the reported case.
She disclosed that the confirmed patient had been isolated and was receiving medical care, while contact tracing and surveillance activities were ongoing to prevent further transmission.
The NEMA chief said the agency recognised the leadership of the health authorities and remained prepared to provide coordination and emergency-support assistance as required under the national emergency-management framework.
She urged Nigerians to avoid panic, stressing that public cooperation, early detection and compliance with official health advice were essential to containing the disease.
Umar explained that Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person who is ill, as well as contact with contaminated materials.
She advised Nigerians to observe regular handwashing with soap and running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, while avoiding direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having the disease.
The NEMA director-general also cautioned against unsafe contact with wild animals, handling dead wild animals or touching and preparing the bodies of people suspected of dying from Ebola, noting that such burials should be handled by trained health authorities.
She further advised anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting or diarrhoea following possible exposure to seek medical guidance immediately.
Umar particularly appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, provide accurate information to public-health officials and comply with their instructions.
She also warned against spreading rumours, misinformation and stigmatising individuals who might have been exposed to the disease.
According to her, Nigerians can obtain official guidance or report a suspected case through the NCDC toll-free line, 6232.
The NEMA boss recalled Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014, saying the experience demonstrated the importance of early detection, effective contact tracing, responsible individual behaviour and coordinated institutional action in breaking the chain of transmission.
She reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to supporting the national response, as required, while strengthening public awareness and emergency preparedness.
Umar urged Nigerians to remain informed, vigilant and responsible in protecting themselves and others from possible infection.
