Chinedum Treasure
Anambra State Government has warned residents against using saltwater as a supposed remedy for Ebola, urging the public to rely on verified health information and seek medical attention when symptoms of concern develop.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, gave the warning while outlining measures being taken to prevent the disease from entering the state amid concerns over a reported Ebola case in Abuja.
Obidike said Anambra had recorded no Ebola case, adding that the state had strengthened its surveillance and preparedness measures in collaboration with relevant health authorities and development partners, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
He described claims that drinking or bathing in saltwater could prevent or cure Ebola as false, cautioning residents against practices that could endanger their health or delay appropriate treatment.
The commissioner explained that Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic. He also advised against handling potentially infected materials and consuming bushmeat that has not been properly prepared.
According to him, the state began strengthening its preparedness measures about three months ago following federal directives.
The measures include deploying trained health informants across wards in the 21 local government areas and reinforcing screening and travel-history checks at relevant entry points.
Obidike also urged residents to take symptoms such as persistent fever, severe headache, joint pain and unusual weakness seriously, noting that some early symptoms of Ebola and Lassa fever may resemble those of malaria and typhoid.
He advised anyone experiencing concerning symptoms, particularly after possible exposure, to contact health authorities and follow their instructions rather than self-medicate or visit a health facility without first alerting it to the possible exposure.
On Lassa fever, the commissioner said a 50-year-old woman was receiving attention and was stable, while eight contacts were being monitored and had remained without symptoms.
He added that secondary and tertiary health facilities in the state had designated holding or isolation centres as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness and response.
The commissioner urged residents to maintain proper hygiene, avoid spreading unverified reports and cooperate with public-health officials to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
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