AKWA IBOM STATE Public Health Emergency Operations Centre - Pheoc

09/06/2026

AKWA IBOM STATE STRENGTHENS PREPAREDNESS AGAINST EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE

The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Public Health and Epidemiology Unit, convened a virtual meeting of the Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee (EPRC) on 4 June 2026 to review and strengthen the State's preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The meeting, chaired by the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Edet Eneh, brought together key stakeholders from government ministries, development partners, healthcare institutions, academia, emergency response agencies, security agencies, and other relevant sectors.

Participants reviewed the State's preparedness efforts, including disease surveillance, case management, laboratory readiness, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), risk communication, community engagement, and Point of Entry preparedness.

Stakeholders emphasized the need for adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), strengthened IPC training, enhanced laboratory capacity, improved screening at Points of Entry, and intensified public awareness campaigns.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of the One Health approach, promoting collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors, while encouraging environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, and prompt reporting of unusual animal illnesses.

At the end of the meeting, key action points were adopted to further strengthen preparedness and ensure rapid detection and response to any suspected Ebola case.

Akwa Ibom State remains committed to safeguarding the health of its citizens through sustained surveillance, strong partnerships, and proactive public health preparedness.

09/06/2026

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU ESTABLISHES TASK FORCE ON EBOLA; APPROVES N10B FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats and ordered the immediate release of N10 billion as emergency intervention funding.

The fund will strengthen the operational preparedness of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and support critical national public health emergency response activities.

The Presidential Task Force on Ebola will be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, with membership drawn from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and State representatives.

Ebola has recently resurfaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, both neighbouring countries.

The President’s approval followed a stakeholder meeting convened under the chairmanship of the Chief of Staff to review Nigeria’s preparedness and develop strategies against the possible importation of Ebola into Nigeria.

Other critical stakeholders at the meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Lagos State Government, and others.

President Tinubu also directed all States hosting international airports and international border corridors, as well as relevant MDAs, to submit their plans, funding requirements and intervention needs for consideration and coordinated implementation.

Additional measures to be put in place by the Task Force are: Intensification of passenger screening at all international airports, including enhanced temperature checks and crowd-control protocols; Enhanced monitoring of passengers arriving through high-risk airline routes including Air Uganda, Rwanda Air, Air Tanzania, Air Angola, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines; and Immediate activation of referral and isolation centres at Lagos and Abuja international airports, with other airports to follow.

Others include: Mandatory activation of QR code-based pre-arrival health declaration systems for passengers originating from or transiting through designated high-risk countries, and disinfection of departure halls, cargoes, baggage areas, and airport facilities as precautionary environmental measures.

The President mandated that the advisory group consult with security, diplomatic, and aviation bodies with a view to regulating flights from affected and designated high-risk countries.

The Task Force is further directed to designate specific airports or terminals for high-risk flights to enable controlled screening and isolation procedures, and to consider adjusting flight timings to minimise interaction between high-risk passengers and others.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
June 09, 2026 ‎

09/06/2026

AKWA IBOM STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

Directorate of Public Health

Epidemiology Unit

EBOLA DISEASE (EBOD): PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION GUIDE

KEY FACTS

Ebola Disease (EBOD) is a severe and often fatal viral illness affecting humans.

Three viruses are known to cause major Ebola outbreaks: Ebola virus (EBOV), Sudan virus (SUDV), and Bundibugyo virus (BDBV)

The average case fatality rate is approximately 50%, although mortality rates have ranged from 25% to 90% during previous outbreaks.

Early detection, prompt treatment, intensive supportive care, and rehydration significantly improve survival rates.

Approved vaccines and treatments are currently available only for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) caused by the Ebola virus.

Effective outbreak control relies on comprehensive interventions, including surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention and control (IPC), laboratory diagnosis, safe burials, community engagement, and vaccination where applicable.

OVERVIEW

Ebola Disease (EBOD) is a rare but highly dangerous viral haemorrhagic fever that can cause severe illness and death in humans. The disease is caused by viruses belonging to the Orthoebolavirus genus of the Filoviridae family.

Six species of Orthoebolaviruses have been identified, with three responsible for major human outbreaks:

Ebola Virus (EBOV) – causes Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

Sudan Virus (SUDV) – causes Sudan Virus Disease (SVD)

Bundibugyo Virus (BDBV) – causes Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD)

The disease was first identified in 1976 during simultaneous outbreaks in present-day South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak in Congo occurred near the Ebola River, from which the disease derived its name.

Although licensed vaccines and therapeutic agents exist for Ebola Virus Disease, no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist for Sudan Virus Disease and Bundibugyo Virus Disease, though several promising candidates are under development.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

Scientific evidence suggests that fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family serve as the natural reservoir hosts of Ebola viruses.

Animal-to-Human Transmission

Human infection may occur through direct contact with infected animals, including:

Fruit bats

Chimpanzees

Gorillas

Monkeys

Forest antelopes

Porcupines

Exposure to blood, secretions, organs, or bodily fluids of infected animals can result in transmission.

Human-to-Human Transmission

The virus spreads through direct contact with:

Blood of infected persons

Saliva

Sweat

Urine

Vomit

Faeces

Breast milk

Semen

Other body fluids

Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated objects and surfaces such as:

Needles and syringes

Clothing

Bedding

Medical equipment

Importantly, individuals do not transmit Ebola before symptoms appear. However, infected persons remain contagious as long as the virus is present in their blood and body fluids.

Healthcare workers and caregivers are particularly vulnerable when infection prevention measures are not strictly followed.

Traditional burial practices involving direct contact with the body of deceased Ebola patients can also contribute significantly to disease transmission.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, with an average of 8–10 days.

Symptoms often begin suddenly and may include:

Early Symptoms

High fever

Severe weakness and fatigue

Headache

Muscle and joint pains

Sore throat

General malaise

Progressive Symptoms

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Abdominal pain

Loss of appetite

Difficulty swallowing

Skin rash

Difficulty breathing

Severe Symptoms

Impaired liver and kidney function

Confusion and altered mental state

Irritability and aggression

Internal and external bleeding

Bleeding manifestations may include:

Blood in vomit

Blood in stool

Bleeding from the nose

Bleeding gums

Vaginal bleeding

Bleeding from injection sites

Not all patients develop bleeding symptoms, and their absence does not rule out Ebola Disease.

CASE DEFINITION

Suspected Case

Any person presenting with sudden onset of fever and at least three of the following symptoms:

Headache

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Muscle pain

Joint pain

Stomach pain

Difficulty swallowing

Vomiting

Difficulty breathing

Diarrhoea

Hiccups

AND having a history of:

Travel to an affected area; or

Contact with a confirmed or probable Ebola case; or

Participation in burial rites involving a suspected Ebola victim.

Probable Case

A deceased person with symptoms compatible with Ebola Disease who had an epidemiological link to a confirmed case but was not laboratory tested.

Confirmed Case

A suspected or probable case with laboratory confirmation of Ebola virus infection.

DIAGNOSIS

Clinical diagnosis can be challenging because Ebola symptoms resemble those of:

Malaria

Typhoid fever

Meningitis

Shigellosis

Lassa fever

Other viral haemorrhagic fevers

Confirmation requires specialized laboratory testing such as:

Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Antigen-capture detection tests

Antibody-capture ELISA

Virus isolation by cell culture

Specimens collected from suspected cases are highly infectious and must be handled under strict biosafety conditions using recommended triple packaging systems during transportation.

TREATMENT AND CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

There is currently no universally approved cure for all Ebola diseases. However, early supportive care greatly improves survival.

Recommended supportive care includes:

Oral or intravenous rehydration

Correction of electrolyte imbalance

Nutritional support

Oxygen therapy when necessary

Pain management

Treatment of co-infections such as malaria and bacterial infections

Monitoring and management of complications

For Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Ebola virus, WHO recommends treatment with monoclonal antibodies such as:

Ansuvimab (mAb114)

REGN-EB3 (Inmazeb)

These treatments have demonstrated improved survival outcomes when administered early.

VACCINATION

Approved Vaccines for Ebola Virus Disease

Ervebo® (Merck & Co.)

Zabdeno® and Mvabea® (Janssen Pharmaceutica)

Vaccination is primarily used during outbreak response and for protecting frontline healthcare workers and other high-risk populations.

Research and clinical trials are ongoing to develop vaccines for Sudan Virus Disease and Bundibugyo Virus Disease.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES

Community participation remains the cornerstone of outbreak prevention and control.

Key preventive measures include:

Personal Protection

Avoid contact with sick individuals.

Avoid contact with blood and body fluids.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.

Practice good personal hygiene.

Food Safety

Avoid handling sick or dead wild animals.

Ensure all animal products are thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Community-Level Measures

Prompt reporting of suspected cases.

Active surveillance and contact tracing.

Community awareness and health education.

Safe and dignified burial practices.

Isolation and treatment of suspected and confirmed cases.

Health Facility Measures

Strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols.

Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Safe injection practices.

Environmental cleaning and disinfection.

Appropriate waste management procedures.

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL (IPC) FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Healthcare workers should consistently apply standard precautions, including:

Hand hygiene

Respiratory hygiene

Appropriate use of PPE

Safe injection practices

Safe specimen handling

Proper waste disposal

Environmental decontamination

Additional precautions are required when caring for suspected or confirmed Ebola patients to prevent exposure to infectious materials.

CARE AND SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS

Survivors of Ebola Disease may experience long-term physical, psychological, and social challenges, including:

Fatigue

Joint and muscle pain

Eye complications

Psychological distress

Social stigma

Comprehensive survivor support should include:

Medical follow-up care

Mental health services

Community reintegration support

Counselling services

Reproductive health services

Male survivors should receive counselling regarding safer sexual practices, as Ebola virus may persist in semen for extended periods after recovery.

PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE

Successful Ebola outbreak response requires coordinated action among government agencies, healthcare workers, partners, communities, and international organizations.

Critical response activities include:

Surveillance and early warning systems

Rapid case detection and investigation

Laboratory confirmation

Contact tracing

Case management

Risk communication and community engagement

Safe and dignified burials

Logistics and supply chain management

Healthcare worker training

Vaccination where indicated

CONCLUSION

Ebola Disease remains a significant public health threat due to its high mortality rate and potential for rapid spread. However, timely detection, prompt reporting, effective infection prevention measures, community engagement, and quality clinical care can significantly reduce transmission and save lives.

Early reporting, early isolation, and early treatment save lives.

For Any Suspected Ebola Case:

Immediately notify the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO), State Epidemiologist, or the nearest health authority for prompt investigation and response, or call the following numbers:

State Epidemiologist
0803 872 2244

State DSNO
0803 792 1118

AKISEMSAS: 08000022322
08000022422

03/06/2026

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO DR. NCHIEK EDET ENEH ON THE AWARD OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Ph.D.)

Dear Ma,

On behalf of the Staff of the Epidemiology Unit, Directorate of Public Health, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, Uyo, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on the successful attainment and conferment of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Systems Management by the University of Port Harcourt.

This remarkable achievement is a testament to your dedication, hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence in public health practice, research, and leadership. Your academic accomplishment reflects years of sacrifice, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. It also underscores your passion for strengthening health systems and improving the health and well-being of communities.

As the State Epidemiologist, you have consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response, and public health advancement. This doctoral achievement further equips you to make even more significant contributions to health policy development, health systems strengthening, and evidence-based public health interventions.

Your success serves as an inspiration to public health professionals, colleagues, and aspiring scholars who seek to make meaningful contributions to the health sector. We celebrate this important milestone with you and commend your determination to continually pursue excellence in both academics and public service.

As you embark on this new chapter, may this accomplishment open greater opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and impactful service to humanity. May your knowledge and expertise continue to contribute significantly to the advancement of public health in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, and beyond.

Congratulations once again, Dr. Nchiek Edet Eneh, Ph.D.

We wish you continued success, greater achievements, and God's abundant blessings in all your future endeavors.

Congratulations and best wishes.

~Staff of the Epidemiology Unit
Directorate of Public Health
Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, Uyo.

03/06/2026

02/06/2026

AKSG SENSITIZES VILLAGE HEADS AHEAD OF STATE-WIDE DISTRIBUTION OF INSECTICIDE TREATED NETS

Ahead of the State-wide distribution of 3.9 million Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) to residents of the State, Akwa Ibom State Government has engaged with Village Heads to create awareness on the forthcoming exercise for maximum preparation.

Speaking during the sensitization meeting with Clan of Village Heads across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Uyo, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Emmanuel Ekem John stated that the move was part of State Government's commitment to safeguarding the health of her citizens.

The Health Commissioner underscored the importance of the insecticide treated net as an effective tool against malaria which according to him is one of the deadliest diseases. He added that this informed Akwa Ibom State Government's partnership with the United State Government to combat the prevalence of malaria, particularly among the vulnerable people.

Dr Emmanuel John who was represented by his Technical Advisor, Dr Etop Antia, warned against misuse of the nets for purposes other than malaria prevention, citing reports of previous misuse for fishing ,window coverage, gardening, etc.

The Health boss stressed that the mosquito nets are provided free of charge and therefore should not be hoarded nor sold , warning that defaulters would risk facing the full weight of the law.

On pre-distribution process, Dr John announced that household mobilizers wearing aprons with malaria campaign identification will visit homes from Monday June 1st to Sunday June 7th, 2026 for registration and issuing of token slips . The token slip, he said would facilitate collection of the mosquito nets during the net distribution billed to kick-off from Saturday 20th to Wednesday 24th June 2026.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, appreciated the administration of Pastor Umo Eno for prioritizing the healthcare needs of the people and for revolutionarizing the health sector.

Mkpisong Archibong charged the Coordinators of the Clan of Village heads to take the message home and transmit it to other Villageheads, Town Criers, Community leaders, Youth leaders, Women leaders , and other stakeholders and to ensure the message reaches all the nooks and crannies of the communities for awareness and preparation for collection.

He also called on them to take full advantage of the exercise and to cooperate with the State Government officials.

Responding on behalf of the Village Heads, the President of Clan of Village Heads,Eteidung Friday Robinson Inyang, thanked the Government of Pastor Umo Eno for the awareness campaign and for his efforts to ensure citizens of Akwa Ibom State enjoy good health.

He also thanked the Commissioner, Mkpisong Frank Archibong for bringing the team from the Ministry of Health to enlighten them on the forthcoming net distribution , pledging to spread the message and to cooperate with goverment officials for a hitch-free process.