The Anambra State Government has confirmed that it is monitoring seven persons of interest as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola following the confirmation of an imported case in Nigeria.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during a press briefing in Awka. He said the state had recorded no confirmed Ebola cases, while health authorities continued to strengthen surveillance and emergency preparedness.
According to Obidike, the state’s Epidemiology Unit began monitoring individuals referred through the national surveillance system to identify possible symptoms early and respond promptly to potential health risks.
He explained that the seven individuals remained under active follow-up after being identified for monitoring because of relevant travel or exposure histories. The commissioner stressed that being classified as a person of interest did not mean that an individual had contracted Ebola.
As of October 20, the state had followed up 40 persons of interest. Of these, 33 had completed the required monitoring period and been cleared, while the remaining seven were still under observation. All seven were reported to be stable at the time of the announcement.
Obidike said designated surveillance officers had been assigned to monitor the individuals throughout the prescribed 21-day period. The process includes regular communication, symptom checks, documentation and immediate referral for further assessment if any concerning symptoms develop.
The commissioner added that surveillance measures had been strengthened at airports, markets, motor parks, banks and other public places. The state government is also working to improve public awareness of Ebola and the importance of promptly reporting suspected cases.
He said Anambra had developed an Ebola preparedness and operational plan covering disease surveillance, rapid response, infection prevention, laboratory coordination, referral arrangements, public communication and logistics. The plan is intended to guide the state’s response in collaboration with relevant health agencies and partners.
The commissioner urged healthcare workers across the state to maintain strict infection prevention and control measures, obtain relevant travel and exposure histories from patients, and immediately report suspected cases to the appropriate authorities.
Residents were also advised to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of people who may be infected, and refrain from handling the bodies of people who die from unexplained illnesses.
Obidike urged anyone who develops concerning symptoms after possible exposure to contact public health authorities promptly. He advised such individuals to call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility so that appropriate arrangements could be made to minimise the risk of transmission.
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