The Rivers State Ministry of Education has urged schools and offices across the state to adopt preventive measures against Ebola, including regular handwashing, prompt reporting of illness and avoidance of contact with contaminated materials.
The ministry made the call in a public health awareness message aimed at promoting safety in schools and workplaces amid concerns over the spread of the Ebola virus.
It identified symptoms of Ebola to include fever and weakness, headache and body pains, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhoea, stomach pain or rash, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
According to the awareness message, symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after exposure to the virus, warning that individuals should not wait for bleeding before seeking medical attention.
The ministry advised students, teachers and office workers to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, while those who feel unwell should stay at home and seek medical advice.
It also urged the public to avoid contact with blood, bodily fluids and contaminated items, while encouraging school heads and office supervisors to ensure that suspected cases of illness are reported promptly.
The awareness message further advised that anyone suspected of having Ebola should be kept apart from others, with direct contact avoided and medical care contacted ahead of the person’s arrival.
For emergencies, the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) provided the following contact numbers: 08065825186, 08030596259, 08073667468 and 08056109538
The ministry said the preventive measures were intended to help keep schools and offices safe and reduce the risk of transmission.
