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NOA calls for vigilance and strict preventive measures amid reports of Ebola resurgence in the FCT.
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Residents advised to avoid contact with suspected patients’ bodily fluids and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms develop.
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State Director urges authorities to strengthen screening at airports, waterways and land borders.
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Community, religious and traditional leaders urged to support public enlightenment and counter misinformation.
October 22, (THEWILL) – The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has urged the Akwa Ibom State Government and residents to strengthen vigilance and preventive measures against Ebola following reports of a resurgence of the disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The State Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, called on authorities responsible for the state’s entry points to remain alert and ensure appropriate screening of travellers arriving by air, waterways and land borders.
Mkpoutom stressed that early detection, public awareness and strict adherence to preventive health measures were essential to protecting residents and preventing the possible spread of infectious diseases.
He advised residents to maintain good personal hygiene, avoid contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of suspected Ebola patients, and refrain from touching the bodies of persons suspected to have died from the disease.
The NOA director also urged anyone experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, particularly after possible exposure, to seek prompt medical attention.
“Our priority is to ensure that residents remain vigilant, adopt safe health practices and promptly report suspected cases to the appropriate health authorities. Prevention depends on public cooperation, accurate information and early medical intervention,” Mkpoutom said.
He cautioned against spreading unverified information and rumours about the disease, urging residents to rely on official announcements and guidance from relevant health authorities to avoid unnecessary panic.
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The state director further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns and encourage their communities to observe recommended preventive measures.
He emphasised that public cooperation would be critical to ensuring that accurate information reached residents across the state, particularly those in rural and coastal communities.
Mkpoutom appealed to government officials and relevant agencies responsible for securing the state’s borders and other entry points to remain vigilant, strengthen surveillance, and work with health authorities to protect the public.
He urged residents to remain calm but alert, cooperate with relevant authorities, and take preventive measures seriously to safeguard themselves, their families, and their communities.
