The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria has urged political parties to adopt virtual campaigns and minimise physical gatherings following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
The association’s Kaduna State Chairman, Turman Benjamin, made the recommendation on Thursday in an interview, suggesting that political parties use social media, text messages, telephone calls and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet to reach voters.
Benjamin said reducing physical contact could help limit potential exposure to infectious diseases while health authorities intensified efforts to contain the outbreak.
He also called on the Kaduna State Government to strengthen public awareness campaigns, support contact-tracing efforts linked to the confirmed case and ensure healthcare workers had adequate personal protective equipment.
The medical laboratory scientist advised residents to avoid unnecessary physical contact, including handshakes and hugs, and to observe appropriate hygiene practices.
He explained that Ebola could spread through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person, stressing the importance of following public health guidance to reduce the risk of transmission.
Benjamin also warned against handling the bodies of suspected or confirmed Ebola victims without appropriate training and protective equipment.
He said only trained and properly equipped personnel should handle such bodies during burial preparations to minimise the risk of infection.
The association chairman further urged governments to ensure that hospitals were adequately supplied with personal protective equipment, including gloves and other appropriate protective gear, to safeguard healthcare workers and patients.
Early Detection and Public Awareness
Benjamin emphasised the importance of laboratory testing in diagnosing Ebola, noting that its early symptoms could resemble those of other illnesses, including malaria and typhoid fever.
He urged residents who develop symptoms or believe they may have been exposed to the virus to seek prompt medical attention and follow guidance from health authorities.
He also advised the public to exercise caution when handling or consuming wild animals that could carry infectious diseases.
Calling for stronger public education, Benjamin urged the media to intensify awareness campaigns on Ebola transmission, prevention and the importance of early detection.
He said vigilance among healthcare workers and members of the public, combined with effective infection prevention and control measures, would be crucial to limiting further transmission.
Abuja Case Triggers Contact-Tracing Efforts
The Federal Government has confirmed an Ebola case in Abuja, with 44 close contacts reportedly identified for monitoring as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.
According to the information provided, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.
The woman has since been placed in isolation and is receiving medical care, while health authorities have begun contact tracing to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The reported case has renewed calls for public vigilance, adequate hospital preparedness and coordinated public health communication as authorities work to contain the outbreak.
Benjamin’s recommendation that political parties conduct campaign activities virtually adds to calls for measures that could reduce unnecessary physical contact during the public health response.
