The National Biosafety Management Agency, NBMA, has called on Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant following a reported imported case of Ebola Virus Disease in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Director-General of the Agency, Dr. Fatima Suleiman-Zuntu, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the NBMA is committed to supporting the national response with its expertise in biosafety and biosecurity.
She lauded the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other partners for their prompt response.
According to her, Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014 highlights the need for preparedness, coordinated response, reliance on scientific evidence and public cooperation.
“The Agency’s biosafety experts are on standby to support the NCDC and other response teams in containment and infection prevention efforts,” she said.
She advised the public to adhere to official health advisories, maintain hand hygiene, avoid contact with body fluids of sick persons and avoid handling bodies of persons suspected to have died from the disease.
She also urged anyone showing symptoms consistent with Ebola, especially after contact with a suspected or confirmed case or travel to an affected area, to immediately seek medical guidance and cooperate with contact tracers.
“We advised the public to seek verified information through the NCDC toll-free line 6232 or NBMA on 0808 225 4683,” she said.
