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Strengthen Ebola Preparedness at PHCs, Private Clinics – Gilbert
Strengthen Ebola Preparedness at PHCs, Private Clinics – Gilbert
A medical doctor specialising in infectious diseases, Dr Gilbert N., has called for stronger Ebola surveillance and response systems at primary healthcare centres (PHCs) and private clinics to ensure early detection and prevent the spread of the disease.
He said preparedness should begin at the community level, where many patients first seek medical attention, warning that delays in identifying suspected cases could expose healthcare workers, patients and the wider public to infection.
Dr Gilbert made the call in an interview with our reporters, emphasising the need for frontline health facilities to improve patient screening, recognise warning signs promptly and ensure suspected cases are isolated and referred to designated treatment centres.
He noted that early Ebola symptoms could resemble those of common illnesses such as malaria and typhoid fever, making it important for healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and observe strict infection prevention and control measures.
The specialist also highlighted differences among Ebola virus strains, particularly the Zaire and Bundibugyo strains, explaining that available vaccines and approved treatments vary depending on the strain.
“Now, in this Ebola group, there are several strains of the virus. There is the Zaire strain and the Bundibugyo strain. The Zaire strain is the strain that we had in 2024, and the Bundibugyo strain is what we are dealing with today,” he said.
According to him, the absence of a licensed vaccine and approved antiviral medication for the Bundibugyo strain presents additional challenges for disease control.
“Since the Bundibugyo strain has no licensed vaccine and no approved antiviral medication, this is what makes it very dangerous because it has a 30 to 50 per cent fatality rate, meaning that out of ten people who become infected, three to five of them may die from the disease,” he said.
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He stressed that prompt recognition, appropriate medical care and strict infection prevention measures were essential to managing suspected cases and improving patient outcomes.
Dr Gilbert called for practical training to equip healthcare workers, particularly those in PHCs and private clinics, with the skills to identify suspected cases, use protective equipment and follow established safety procedures.
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He also urged government and relevant health authorities to provide frontline facilities with essential resources, including personal protective equipment, screening tools and clear reporting and referral guidelines.
He warned against waiting until an outbreak had escalated before strengthening response systems, arguing that effective surveillance and preparedness must be sustained ahead of any emergency.
The doctor further advocated collaboration among health authorities, trained medical personnel and disease-control experts to improve case identification, reporting and management.
On public awareness, he cautioned against spreading unverified information about Ebola, saying misinformation could cause unnecessary panic and weaken public confidence in health authorities.
He explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms. Such fluids include vomit, faeces, sweat and saliva. Transmission can also occur through contact with objects contaminated by the body fluids of an infected person.
“People need to know the seriousness of the disease, and people need to have accurate information. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms.
“Coming into contact with their blood, faeces, vomit, sweat, or saliva can transmit the disease from one person to another. Another route of transmission is through contaminated objects used by an infected person. It is spread through direct contact with the person’s body fluids,” he said.
He urged healthcare workers to remain alert and ensure that every suspected case was managed in line with established safety protocols.
“It is important that, as healthcare workers, we maintain a high index of suspicion. We need a well-coordinated response involving people with experience in the field,” he added.
Dr Gilbert’s recommendations highlight the need to strengthen disease surveillance and response at the first point of contact with the healthcare system. Improved training, adequate protective equipment, prompt reporting and effective referral arrangements could help reduce the risk of infections in health facilities and communities.
He maintained that sustained government action, professional collaboration and accurate public information were essential to protecting healthcare workers, patients and the wider population against the threat of Ebola.
By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane, Port-Harcourt
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