On Thursday, the Anambra State government told residents there is no confirmed Ebola case in the state and asked them not to panic, while announcing that surveillance has been intensified at all major entry points.
**What actions has the state taken?**
The state’s Ministry of Health, led by Commissioner Dr. Afam Obidike, has mobilised health officers to monitor the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri motor parks and other high‑traffic locations for early detection of any Ebola symptoms. The deployment aims to enable rapid identification and response should a case emerge.
**Who is the state collaborating with?**
[Anambra State](https://www.anambra.gov.ng) is working closely with the [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int), [UNICEF](https://www.unicef.org) and the [Nigeria Centre for Disease Control](https://ncdc.gov.ng) to boost surveillance activities, especially around the airport and the state’s borders.
**Is there an Ebola case in Anambra?**
Dr. Obidike confirmed that, following the Federal Government’s announcement of an index Ebola case in Abuja, no confirmed case has been recorded in Anambra. He emphasized that the state’s Epidemiology Unit has been tracking persons of interest through the national surveillance system since the regional outbreak began.
**What does the government ask of the public?**
Citizens are urged to stay vigilant, cooperate with health authorities and report any unusual symptoms to the nearest medical facility. The commissioner highlighted that the state’s preparedness measures were put in place long before the recent news, reflecting a proactive approach to disease control.
**Why is this important now?**
The heightened alert follows an emergency meeting convened by the commissioner with health stakeholders after the federal confirmation of an Ebola index case. By reinforcing surveillance and public awareness, the state aims to prevent any spread within its borders.
The Ministry of Health’s strategy combines on‑the‑ground monitoring with coordination from international health bodies, ensuring that any potential case would be swiftly isolated and managed. Residents are reminded that early reporting and adherence to public health guidelines are critical to maintaining the state’s Ebola‑free status.