The Adamawa State Government has announced plans to introduce mandatory health screening for all incoming travellers as part of efforts to strengthen disease surveillance and prevent the possible introduction and spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Chubado Mohammed Jada, disclosed this during an emergency meeting with the State Rapid Response Team at the State Infectious Disease Centre, where the state’s preparedness and response measures against the potential Ebola threat were reviewed.
The proposed screening exercise, to be coordinated by the state Ministry of Health and Human Services, will cover travellers arriving through Yola International Airport, motor parks and designated arrival points along the River Benue.
Under the arrangement, designated health personnel will conduct visual observations, temperature checks where appropriate and brief health assessments. Travellers will also be asked questions about their health status, recent travel history and possible contact with suspected or confirmed Ebola cases.
Individuals who exhibit symptoms of concern or meet the established criteria for suspected cases will be referred for further clinical assessment and investigation in line with approved public health protocols.
The government has yet to announce a commencement date for the screening exercise.
Jada said the initiative forms part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen early detection and prevent the potential spread of infectious diseases within Adamawa.
Other measures include the activation of the State Rapid Response Team and Emergency Operations Centre structures, intensified disease surveillance across all 21 local government areas, activation of the State Infectious Disease Centre and statewide public sensitisation.
The government is also strengthening coordination among Emergency Operations Centre teams responsible for surveillance, case management, laboratory services, logistics and risk communication to ensure a coordinated response to any suspected case.
Participants at the emergency meeting reviewed existing preparedness arrangements and discussed strategies to improve collaboration among response teams, facilitate early identification of suspected cases and ensure timely intervention.
The state government urged travellers, transport operators, airport authorities and water transport operators to cooperate with health personnel and provide accurate information during the planned screening exercise.
Residents were also advised to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases to the appropriate health authorities.
Symptoms associated with Ebola include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding. However, these symptoms may also occur in other illnesses and require proper medical assessment.
The Adamawa State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting public health through strengthened surveillance, emergency preparedness and collaboration with relevant health partners.
The planned screening exercise is expected to improve the state’s capacity to identify potential public health threats early and facilitate prompt intervention.
The announcement did not indicate that an Ebola outbreak had been confirmed in Adamawa State.