FG ACTIVATES EBOLA TASK FORCE AS DEATH TOLL CLIMBS TO 600 IN DRC

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that there is no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country, even as it inaugurated a communication sub-committee under the Presidential Task Force on Ebola preparedness to strengthen public awareness and emergency response.

The reassurance came yesterday from the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, during the inaugural meeting of the Communication Sub-Committee of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats in Abuja.

His assurance comes amid renewed concerns over the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Uganda recording imported cases.

The outbreak in the DRC has claimed 600 lives, according to the latest figures released by the WHO, highlighting the rapid spread of the deadly disease across parts of the country.

The updated data, published on Thursday, showed that the death toll increased by more than 100 within three days after fatalities surpassed the 500 mark earlier this week.

The WHO said the outbreak remains one of the most serious public health emergencies currently facing the Central African nation.

This has prompted heightened regional surveillance and preparedness measures.

Idris, however, maintained that Nigeria remains free of the disease and urged citizens not to panic.

“Let me reassure Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. However, recent developments elsewhere in Africa remind us that infectious diseases know no borders,” the minister said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Presidential Task Force, describing it as a proactive step to safeguard public health through improved coordination, preparedness and timely intervention.