Ebun Francis || The federal government has directed health officials across the Country to screen every patient for the dreaded Ebola virus.The government also directed health officials at various entry points to the Country to be vigilant.
The directive is a precautionary measure following the outbreak of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The federal government directive was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole by Mrs. Boade Akinola, Director media, and publicity of the ministry.
The statement read, “The health minister directs all Nigerian health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion by screening all hemorrhagic fever patients for Ebola
“Similarly, the minister encourages members of the public to observe a high level of personal hygiene which includes regular hand washing and to also report all cases of fever to the nearest health facility.”
“The Federal Government in response to the announcement by the WHO on confirmed cases of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has directed port health officials to step up inspection activities and to report any sick person or suspects to ensure that Epidemiologists in the states conduct relevant tests.
“The symptoms to look out for include: fever, fatigue, weakness dizziness and muscle aches. Patients with more severe cases show bleeding under the skin, internal organs or even from bodily orifices like mouth, nose, and ears.”
Adewole while urging Nigerians not to panic as the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control is on the ground and equipped to secure the health of citizens, however, called on states to begin social mobilisation and media awareness efforts via television, radio, print and social media.
The World witnessed the worst case of the dreaded Ebola outbreak three years ago with over eleven thousand deaths, majority of the deaths occurred in the three West African Countries of Gunea, Liberia, and Sierra leone.
