The Plateau State Government has intensified preparedness measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), including renewed public awareness campaigns, activation of isolation centres, surveillance at border communities and infection prevention training for health workers.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Health disclosed this while responding to questions from journalists on the measures being taken to prevent the disease from spreading to the state following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Nigeria.

The Federal Government confirmed the case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on October 20, 2026, involving a woman who had recently travelled from Uganda. The patient was isolated and receiving medical care, while public health authorities identified 44 close contacts for monitoring.

The Commissioner explained that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had activated preparedness measures across the country, prompting states to strengthen their surveillance and response systems.

He said Plateau State had previously commenced public enlightenment campaigns through jingles and was bringing them back to educate residents about the disease. The state is also printing information, education and communication materials for distribution through relevant public health channels.

According to him, the state government had earlier provided funds for Ebola containment, which were yet to be utilised, and these resources were now being deployed through the State Epidemiology Unit to support the response.

The Commissioner further disclosed that he had directed the State Epidemiology Unit to assess preventive measures at the airport and strengthen surveillance in local government areas bordering neighbouring states. Health facilities in border communities, including areas around Naraguta, were also being alerted to report suspected cases promptly.

He added that isolation centres at Plateau Specialist Hospital and Jos University Teaching Hospital had been identified for the management of suspected cases, while the Ministry of Health was working to strengthen infection prevention and control training for health workers.

Although the Commissioner described Plateau as an intermediate-risk state because of its airport and interstate borders, he stressed the need for early action to prevent the disease from gaining a foothold in the state.

Understanding Ebola and how it spreads

Ebola is a serious viral disease that can cause severe illness and death. It spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood, vomit, stool and other bodily fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, or through contaminated objects such as bedding, clothing and medical equipment. It may also spread through contact with infected animals or the bodies of people who have died from the disease.

Unlike influenza, Ebola is not generally transmitted through the air during ordinary social interactions. People who have not developed symptoms do not transmit the disease.

Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding. These symptoms can resemble those of malaria and other common illnesses, making medical assessment and testing important.

How residents can protect themselves

Residents are advised to observe the following precautions:

• Wash hands regularly: Use soap and running water or an appropriate alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
• Avoid contact with bodily fluids: Do not touch the blood, vomit, stool or other bodily fluids of anyone who is ill or suspected of having Ebola.
• Avoid handling suspected contaminated materials: Do not share or handle clothing, bedding, needles or other items contaminated with bodily fluids.
• Avoid contact with suspected cases and unsafe burials: Do not handle the body of someone suspected to have died from Ebola. Safe burial arrangements should be managed by trained personnel.
• Seek medical attention early: Anyone who develops compatible symptoms after possible exposure should contact a health facility or public health authority immediately and disclose their symptoms and travel or contact history.
• Avoid spreading rumours: Follow verified updates from the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Plateau State Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation.

Members of the public are also advised not to panic or stigmatise individuals based on their nationality, ethnicity or travel history. Ebola requires a coordinated public health response, accurate information and cooperation between communities and health authorities.

The Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and take personal responsibility for preventing infection, assuring them that the state government was monitoring developments and strengthening its preparedness.

He emphasised that early reporting, effective surveillance, public cooperation and strict infection prevention practices would be essential to keeping Plateau State safe.