The Commissioner for Health, George Ugwu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing. He noted that although Enugu has recorded nine suspected cases with no confirmed infections this season, its proximity to affected states requires urgent precautionary measures.

“The national outlook of the disease remains grim, with 1,469 suspected cases, 318 confirmed, and over 70 deaths reported across Taraba, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Ebonyi states,” Ugwu said.

Highlighting concerns about neighbouring states, he stated, “Because of our proximity to these affected areas, particularly our shared borders with Benue and Ebonyi states, we are now in a high alert phase.

“Surveillance has been elevated to ‘Enhanced Mode’ in all local government areas, especially in the hotspots.”

As part of proactive measures, the commissioner said all public and private health facilities have been directed to enforce mandatory patient triaging. Tertiary institutions are required to establish holding areas for suspected cases, while healthcare workers must maintain a high index of suspicion for persistent fevers that do not respond to malaria treatment.

“Facilities must provide a holding area for suspected cases and immediately alert the state. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when attending to suspected cases,” Ugwu added.

The Ministry of Health also advised residents to maintain rodent-free environments, practise safe food storage, avoid consuming rats, refrain from self-medication, and promptly seek medical attention for symptoms such as headache, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.

Ugwu assured that essential supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPEs), medicines, and body bags, have been pre-positioned across the state, while Rapid Response Teams are on 24-hour standby to handle emergencies.

He further urged the media to avoid sensational reporting and encouraged residents to report suspected cases through official emergency lines as the state intensifies surveillance efforts to prevent an outbreak.