Kebbi steps up Ebola screening at airport, land borders

The Kebbi State Government has increased efforts to prevent the possible entry and spread of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, by strengthening health surveillance and screening at key entry points.

The Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr Zaki Abubakar Zaki, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

He said the ministry, through its Public Health Department, had stepped up surveillance and screening at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi and selected land border crossings across the state.

According to him: “Passengers arriving at and departing from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport are being screened at designated arrival and departure gates to facilitate the early detection of suspected Ebola cases and identify travellers exhibiting symptoms consistent with the disease.”

Dr Zaki said similar measures had been introduced at three land border entry points in Bagudo, Kamba and Arewa local government areas.

He explained that the initiative was aimed at detecting suspected cases quickly, referring affected individuals for further medical assessment and taking necessary public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission.

The permanent secretary added that the ministry had supplied protective equipment to general hospitals across the state to support their preparedness for possible cases.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents through effective disease surveillance, border screening and collaboration with relevant health authorities and other stakeholders.

It also urged residents and travellers to remain alert, cooperate with health officials and promptly report any symptoms suspected to be linked to Ebola to the appropriate authorities.