Bayelsa state government
at the weekend established a 13-man taskforce to map out strategies of preventing the spread of the Ebola virus.
The development came shortly after the Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy began to sensitise its officers and ratings in the state about the deadly Ebola virus and measures that must be taken to prevent its spread.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), CNC, Rear Admiral Peter Agba, at the seminar organised by the CNC in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state capital, harped on personal hygiene.
Agba said: “We cannot run away from our family members, but what we can help them do is to help bring them to healthcare centres.”
He advised the officers and ratings to take preventive measures to protect themselves from the virus, and cautioned against reckless consumption of food items since according to him some of the items had been reported to be hosting the virus.
“For example, eating of monkeys, bush meat, exchange of kisses among loved ones and so many other situations should be done with care,” he said.
He said the seminar was put together to enlighten officers and ratings of the navy.
On the Ebola Task Force, the Bayelsa State Government said it was part of its elaborate preparations to tackle any outbreak of the dreaded virus in the state.
In a statement after the state executive council meeting in Yenagoa, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ayibatonye Owei, said that, the task force would map out strategies and liaise with other notable local, national and international health institutions to confront any cases of the virus.
Owei was named the chairman of the task force while Dr. Biribina Samayin is the secretary. Members of the committee are Dr. Wakiente Ombu, Dr. Douye Aganaba, Dr Taribara Sigah Ekere, Dr Oyeyemi Abisoye and Mrs. Kenisuomein Walson.
Others are Dr. Israel Jeremiah, Biobelemoye Joy Josiah, Mrs Monica Azazi Olarinde, Dr. Zuobeni Agade and Mrs. Shakirat Azazi.
