Kaduna State has activated its Rapid Response Team and intensified disease surveillance following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Abuja, urging residents to observe preventive measures and report suspected cases promptly.
The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has intensified public health surveillance and preparedness measures following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Abuja.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Umma Ahmed, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Kaduna on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Ahmed said the ministry was strengthening disease surveillance, early detection and emergency preparedness through a Rapid Response Team (RRT), in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant stakeholders.
She urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, continue their normal activities and comply with recommended public health precautions.
The commissioner stressed the importance of regular handwashing and immediate reporting of suspected cases to the appropriate health authorities.
“Early detection, prompt reporting and community cooperation are essential to preventing the spread of Ebola,” she said.
According to Ahmed, Ebola is a severe infectious disease transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died, as well as contact with contaminated materials.
She clarified that Ebola does not spread through casual contact with an uninfected person.
The commissioner listed the major signs and symptoms of Ebola as: Sudden fever and severe weakness, Headache and muscle pain, Vomiting and diarrhoea, Abdominal pain, Unexplained bleeding in some cases.
She noted that symptoms could develop between two and 21 days after exposure to the virus.
Ahmed urged residents to seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms, particularly after possible exposure to an infected person or travel to an affected area.
To reduce the risk of infection, the commissioner advised residents to wash their hands frequently with soap and clean running water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
She also warned against direct contact with the blood, vomit, urine, faeces, saliva or other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
Residents were further advised not to touch the bodies of people who may have died from the disease.
Other preventive measures include avoiding sick or dead wild animals and refraining from handling or consuming raw or inadequately cooked animal products.
Ahmed emphasised the importance of seeking immediate medical attention at a recognised health facility if symptoms develop, particularly following possible exposure.
The commissioner cautioned residents against spreading rumours and called for greater cooperation with public health officials conducting contact tracing and monitoring.
She directed public and private healthcare facilities, healthcare workers, Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance and maintain a high index of suspicion for possible cases.
Ahmed also urged community leaders and other stakeholders to report suspected cases and relevant developments through the NCDC Connect Centre’s toll-free line, 6232, or the Kaduna State Ministry of Health on 08036045755 and 07031992126.
“The health and safety of every resident of Kaduna State remains our priority. Let us work together to prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease,” she said.
The ministry reiterated the importance of early detection, prompt reporting, public awareness and cooperation with health authorities in preventing the potential spread of Ebola in Kaduna State.
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