*NIGER STATE HEIGHTENS EBOLA ALERT FOLLOWING CONFIRMED ABUJA CASE

By Aliyu Lawal

The Niger State Ministry of Health has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) on heightened alert following a confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in neighboring Abuja.

State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, confirmed in an official statement today that no cases of Ebola have been detected in Niger State.

He emphasized that the state’s proactive measures are strictly precautionary, aimed at boosting surveillance, early detection, and rapid response capacity.

The heightened posture follows a Federal Government announcement confirming an Ebola case involving a traveler who recently arrived from Uganda. The patient is currently undergoing treatment in isolation, while public health officials monitor 44 identified close contacts.

Dr. Bagana highlighted that vigilance is essential due to the heavy volume of transit and trade between Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory.

To ensure state-wide readiness, the Ministry is collaborating closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and international health partners.

All public and private healthcare facilities across Niger State have been instructed to immediately isolate and report any suspected cases.

> Emergency Hotlines:
Director of Public Health: 0703 458 3079
State Epidemiologist: 0807 721 3070
State DSNO: 0807 529 1989
NCDC National Toll-Free Helpline: 6232