Following the resurgence of Ebola Virus Disease in Liberia, the Federal Government of Nigeria has raised the alert level across all states, urging the ministries of health and health facilities across the country to report any suspected case to the Federal Ministry of Health.
The ministry, in a statement by its Director, Press, Ayo Adesugba, however, urged Nigerians not to panic but to maintain vigilance.
The statement reads: “A new case of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been reported in Liberia. This means that the country which was certified EVD free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on May 9, 2015 has witnessed a resurgence of the disease.
“Members of the public are advised to observe basic hygiene and report any suspected case to the nearest health facility.”
The ministry’s spokesperson reiterated means of identifying Ebola cases, saying: “It must be noted that the main symptoms of the Ebola Virus Disease are fever, severe headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Patients in some cases, also have neurological symptoms of becoming confused and restless.
“To address the challenges of the development in neighbouring Liberia, the Federal Ministry of Health is reactivating its response mechanism and increasing the level of its alert. All state ministries of health and health facilities are hereby advised to raise their alert level and report any suspected case to the Federal Ministry of Health”, the ministry added.
A 17-year-old boy from a village near the Liberian capital, Monrovia, died of Ebola few days ago. He had no history of travelling out of Liberia and unknown record of coming into contact with any known Ebola case. The boy has since been buried, but Liberian health officials are worried that he may have transmitted the virus to many other people who came in contact with him.
