Ebola scare hits Zamfara after passenger arrives state with 38°C fever
The Zamfara government has activated Ebola surveillance at Gusau airport and major motor parks after a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia was found with a body temperature of 38 degrees celsius.
Nafisa Maradun, the state’s commissioner for health, disclosed this on Friday while leading a medical team to flag off passenger screening at the airport.
Maradun said the passenger, an indigene of Zamfara, was identified during screening and referred for further medical assessment.
The state government has deployed medical personnel in the airport, motor parks and other entry points to screen travellers and support the early detection of suspected cases.
The measures follow Nigeria’s confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on October 20.
Maradun said the surveillance measures were intended to prevent the virus from spreading to Zamfara.
She urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with health officials.
The state’s ministry of health has also directed public and private health facilities, disease surveillance officers and local government health authorities to strengthen preparedness, improve screening and promptly report suspected cases.
The government said it is working with relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service, to strengthen surveillance at entry points.
Transport workers are also expected to help identify and report passengers who may require medical assessment.
