The Enugu State Government has reactivated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and intensified disease surveillance across the state following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George O. Ugwu, disclosed this in a press briefing on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, assuring residents that no case of Ebola had been confirmed in Enugu. “Let me begin by reassuring the people of Enugu State that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Enugu State,” he said.
Ugwu explained that the government had strengthened preparedness measures in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, airport authorities and other relevant partners. The Federal Government had confirmed a case involving a woman who arrived in Nigeria from Uganda, prompting heightened vigilance amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
The commissioner said Enugu’s strategic position as a major travel and commercial hub, particularly through the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, made it necessary to strengthen surveillance and response mechanisms. He noted that the administration of Governor Peter Mbah considered the health security of residents a priority and was taking precautionary measures without creating unnecessary panic.
According to him, the state had intensified disease surveillance across its 17 local government areas, strengthened coordination with relevant agencies and reinforced surveillance around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. He added that the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre had been strengthened to coordinate preparedness and response, while rapid response teams and technical personnel remained on standby.
“I call on all public and private health facilities across the State to remain on heightened alert and maintain a high index of suspicion for suspected cases, particularly among persons with relevant travel or exposure history,” Ugwu said, urging healthcare providers to promptly isolate suspected cases and immediately report them to the appropriate Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) or the state emergency operations centre.
He also called on health workers to maintain strict infection prevention and control measures, use appropriate protective equipment and report suspected infections through established channels. The commissioner stressed that early detection and prompt notification were critical to preventing transmission, assuring health workers that the government would continue to provide the necessary support and guidance for their safety and effective response.
Addressing residents, Ugwu urged the public to remain calm and observe preventive measures, including proper hand hygiene, avoiding contact with the body fluids of sick persons, seeking prompt medical attention when necessary and reporting suspected cases to the appropriate health authorities. He also cautioned against rumours, misinformation and stigmatisation, urging residents to rely on information from the Enugu State Ministry of Health, the NCDC and other recognised health authorities.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to protecting public health, the commissioner said the Ministry of Health would continue to collaborate with national authorities and other partners to strengthen preparedness, surveillance and response. “I reassure the public that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Enugu State. I urge everyone to remain calm, observe preventive measures, report suspected cases promptly and rely on verified information,” Ugwu said.
