Ebola in FCT: SUNU Health Calls for Calm

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Enrollees, healthcare providers, corporate clients, and stakeholders of a leading health maintenance organisation (HMO) in Nigeria, SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, have been advised to remain calm and vigilant following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The HMO, in a statement, said it’s committed to the wellbeing of its enrollees and the wider public, urging all to adhere strictly to recommended preventive measures and rely only on verified information from official public health authorities.

“We will continue to monitor developments closely and share timely updates and guidance from the appropriate health authorities as the situation evolves. The safety and wellbeing of our enrollees, healthcare providers, and partners remain our highest priority.

“While there is no cause for panic, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant, adhere to recommended preventive measures, and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms develop following any suspected exposure.

“Nigeria has successfully contained Ebola outbreaks in the past, and we are confident in the capacity of our public health institutions to effectively manage the current situation,” the chief executive of the organisation, Dr Moyosore Olomola, stated.

The Nigerian government confirmed the case of the virus in the country from a traveller who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda and is currently receiving appropriate medical care in isolation.

Contact tracing has commenced, while public health authorities have activated established surveillance and emergency response protocols to contain the situation and prevent further spread.

Ebola Virus Disease spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials of an infected person. Importantly, individuals cannot transmit the virus before symptoms appear.

SUNU Health, therefore, advised members of the public to maintain proper hand hygiene by washing their hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Individuals were encouraged to avoid direct contact with blood, body fluids, or personal belongings of suspected or confirmed cases.

The public has been asked to remain alert for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, and diarrhoea, particularly following any possible exposure.

Anyone who suspects exposure should promptly notify public health authorities, cooperate fully with contact tracing efforts, and seek appropriate medical attention.

Members of the public are also advised to avoid spreading unverified information and rely solely on updates provided by the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC. Suspected cases or concerns can be reported through the NCDC toll-free line, 6232.

For health-related enquiries, enrollees may contact SUNU Health through its customer service line on 020-1330-2870 or visit the nearest accredited healthcare provider within its network.