SUNU Health Nigeria Limited has urged the public to observe Ebola prevention measures and rely on official health advisories following the reported confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory.
The health maintenance organisation said public health authorities had commenced contact tracing and activated surveillance and emergency response protocols following the reported case involving a traveller who arrived in Nigeria from Uganda.
In a statement, the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Moyosore Olomola, urged enrollees, healthcare providers, corporate clients and other stakeholders to remain vigilant without panicking.
“We will continue to monitor developments closely and share timely updates and guidance from the appropriate health authorities as the situation evolves,” Olomola said, adding that the safety and wellbeing of enrollees, healthcare providers and partners remained a priority.
He encouraged anyone who suspects exposure to Ebola to seek prompt medical attention and cooperate with public health authorities, including contact tracing teams.
Olomola also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s public health institutions, citing the country’s previous experience in containing Ebola outbreaks.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, or with contaminated materials. People who have not developed symptoms do not transmit the virus.
SUNU Health advised members of the public to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, while avoiding contact with the blood, body fluids and personal belongings of suspected or confirmed cases.
It also urged people to watch for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly after possible exposure.
Anyone who suspects exposure should promptly notify public health authorities and follow their instructions. The organisation further warned against sharing unverified information, urging the public to rely on updates from the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The NCDC toll-free line, 6232, is available for reporting suspected cases or seeking guidance, according to the statement.
SUNU Health said its enrollees could contact its customer service line on 020-1330-2870 or visit an accredited healthcare provider within its network for health-related enquiries.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting public health efforts through the provision of guidance to enrollees and healthcare partners as the situation develops.