Ebola: No Contact Traced to Us, Anambra Health Commissioner Clarifies, Vows Govt’s Readiness to Battle Challenge

By Elochukwu Benjamin | IchieTimes

The Anambra State Government says it has recorded no case of Ebola, with 44 persons of interest monitored as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the disease following a laboratory-confirmed case in Abuja.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this on Wednesday, after an emergency meeting of the State Disease Surveillance Team and health partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and UNICEF, held in Awka.

Obidike said 33 of the 44 persons monitored had completed their 21-day follow-up period and have been cleared, while seven others remained under active monitoring.

He said the seven were stable as of October 20, 2026, clarifying that none of the contacts came to Anambra.

The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, stressing that being identified as a person of interest does not mean an individual has contracted Ebola.

He said the state’s surveillance and monitoring efforts began months before the latest development, with designated officers following up on individuals referred through the national surveillance system.

“Anambra has strengthened its preparedness through training, coordination with national surveillance authorities and the development of an Ebola operational plan covering surveillance, rapid response, infection prevention, laboratory coordination, referral arrangements and public communication.

“The state’s surveillance network across the 21 local government areas had been placed on alert, and the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, health facilities and community reporting structures are alert to promptly report unusual illnesses and deaths,” he said.

Obidike also called on healthcare workers to observe infection prevention and control measures, obtain relevant travel and exposure histories, and immediately notify public health authorities of suspected cases.

The commissioner advised residents who develop fever or other concerning symptoms after travelling to affected areas or coming into contact with a suspected Ebola patient to contact health authorities promptly and call ahead before visiting a health facility.

He cautioned against the circulation of rumours and the stigmatisation of persons under monitoring, while urging residents to practise regular handwashing and avoid direct contact with the blood or body fluids of sick persons.

Obidike also dismissed the practice of drinking or bathing with salt water as a supposed protection against Ebola, warning that residents should rely on verified health information.

He explained that Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, as well as through contact with infected animals.

The commissioner noted that Ebola symptoms could include fever, headache, and muscle and joint pains, which may resemble malaria or typhoid fever. He urged anyone experiencing concerning symptoms to seek prompt medical assessment at an approved health facility.

He said the state was working with public health authorities and its international partners to strengthen surveillance, including monitoring at border areas and airports.

The Ministry of Health assured residents that it would continue to provide updates as verified information becomes available.