Ebola: Minister directs health workers to screen all fevers

The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole has directed all health workers in the country to maintain high index of suspicion, by screening all fevers for Ebola and other hemorrhagic fevers.

He said in a statement by the ministry yesterday that there was need for heightened vigilance and intensified awareness efforts on the symptoms of hemorrhagic fevers.

Adewole urged members of the public to observe high level of personal hygiene such as regular hand washing, and to also report all cases of fevers to the nearest health facility.

The minister also urged Nigerians not to panic saying that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was on ground and equipped to secure the health of citizens.

“The agency has for a while now, been strengthening states capacities to detect, manage and respond to hemorrhagic fevers including Lassa fever,” he said.

He called on states to begin social mobilization and media awareness efforts via television, radio, print and social media.

Also in response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) announcement on the confirmed cases of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Federal Government has directed port health officials to step up inspection activities and to immediately alert State Epidemiologists, when they have any suspected case.

The statement enumerated the symptoms to look out for as fever, fatigue, weakness dizziness and muscle aches. Patients with more severe cases show bleeding under the skin, internal organs or even from bodily orifices like mouth, ears, and the ears.

Meanwhile the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti on Saturday visited Kinshasa, in the Democratic republic of Congo to discuss with national authorities and partners on ways to mount a rapid, effective and coherent response to stop the ongoing Ebola outbreak.