The Plateau State Government has reactivated isolation centres, launched public awareness campaigns and strengthened disease surveillance to prevent the spread of Ebola in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed this during a press briefing, saying the government had also directed its emergency preparedness team to assess safety measures at the airport and alert local government areas bordering neighbouring states.

The Commissioner urged Plateau residents to maintain good hygiene, “wash your hands regularly and avoid direct contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected infected persons.

“You should remain vigilant and report suspected cases to health authorities. Public cooperation is important in preventing the spread of the disease.”

The measures were announced alongside 10 resolutions approved at the 12th Plateau State Council on Health meeting, held from October 20 to 22.

The resolutions include establishing a state health trust fund, strengthening disease surveillance, addressing shortages of health workers and establishing an emergency fund for public health threats.

He also congratulated the state government for successfully containing the dreaded Diphtheria disease in the state.

Ba’amlong stressed that for the past two weeks, no case of the diphtheria outbreak is heard again, disclosing that only nine of the affected people before are still being treated in the hospital.

He appreciated State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for providing enabling health policy that makes what is happening today possible.

The commissioner who spoke with The Guardian disclosed that there is health revitalization in the state with 105 primary health centres well equipped to supply health services to the people.

According to him, it is because of all those essential services in the state that the state is ranked fifth position in the country.

There are training programmes for the newly employed staff, victims of communal clash are being treated free of charge in the state hospitals and health centres, he pointed out that accident victims are not left out.

In another development, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Plateau State Directorate, has called on residents of Plateau State to remain calm, vigilant and well-informed following the Federal Government’s confirmation of a case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on 20 October 2026.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the confirmed case involves a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, while relevant health authorities have commenced contact tracing and intensified surveillance to prevent further spread of the disease.

A statement by the NOA Plateau State Director, Mrs. Kaneng Pam-Hworo, urges residents to take the development seriously without giving in to panic, rumours or misinformation.

She emphasises that public awareness, early reporting of suspected cases and strict adherence to health guidelines are essential to protecting individuals, families and communities.

Ebola is a serious viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms, a person who has died from the disease, or contaminated materials. The disease is not transmitted by a person before symptoms begin.

The Agency advises members of the public to observe the following preventive measures maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands regularly with soap and clean running water or use an appropriate alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

Also avoid contact with body fluids, do not touch the blood or other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola and avoid handling contaminated materials.

Recognise the symptoms, be alert to symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly where there may have been exposure to an infected person.

Report suspected cases promptly, anyone who suspects exposure or develops symptoms should contact public health authorities immediately for guidance. Persons with symptoms should avoid close contact with others and seek medical advice before visiting a healthcare facility.

Cooperate with health authorities, residents contacted by public health teams should provide accurate information and comply with official guidance on monitoring and other preventive measures.

Lastly, avoid misinformation and stigmatization, the public is advised to rely on verified information from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and other authorised health agencies.

The NOA Plateau State Directorate also calls on public and private healthcare facilities to maintain a high level of alertness, enforce strict infection prevention and control measures, promptly isolate suspected cases and report them to the appropriate public health authorities.

The Agency acknowledges Nigeria’s experience in successfully containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak and encourages continued public cooperation with the relevant authorities to prevent further transmission.

Residents are advised to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and support ongoing public health efforts. Collective responsibility, timely reporting and adherence to official health guidance remain critical to safeguarding public health.

For information or to report a suspected Ebola case, members of the public may contact the NCDC toll-free call centre on 6232, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as stated in the Federal Government’s advisory.

The National Orientation Agency, Plateau State Directorate, reaffirms its commitment to public sensitisation, responsible communication and the promotion of healthy practices that protect lives and strengthen community safety.