The Federal Government yesterday declared that the spread of Ebola Virus to neighbouring West African countries has put the country at risk.
Professor Onyeabuchi Chukwu, stated this at the end of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council.
“Ebola has been moving eastward towards Nigeria as well and we are already facing danger from Central African Republic, even with what is happening in Congo, people are also migrating to Chad and Cameroon. The two countries are also on our borders,” he said.
Chukwu however noted that the country has not recorded any case of the disease which has spread across West Africa with 137 cases and 86 deaths recorded since January this year.
The minister explained further that Ebola which was more in Central Africa until now is just an addition to the ones that are even more native to West Africa which is Lassa fever. .
“Some of these viruses belong to a group that causes similar diseases like yellow fever which for 18 years now, we have not had a single case, but 18 years ago it devastated Nigeria.
“It is also the cause of what is called haemorrhagic fever, then Lassa fever which you know has been ongoing. There are even parts of Nigeria where it is endemic like the northern part of Edo State; they record a case every week and it is also very deadly.
“We recently diagnosed a case of Dengue fever. There is one called Mabuck fever, it has not yet been detected in Nigeria.”
The Minister said government will produce radio and television jingles and newspaper advertisements to create public awareness about Ebola.
“As I speak to you, we have already approved jingles to be produced in various languages by the Centre for Disease Control to be aired on Radio, TV and newspaper adverts.
“We are working with all groups, just like we are doing for polio, religious bodies, communities, traditional rulers and the media which is most important in this venture. You will help us to play your role by educating Nigerians,” said the Minister.
Chukwu warned that there is no vaccine for prevention of Ebola, and other diseases like Lassa fever, urging Nigerians to take precautions which include seeing the doctor immediately they notice they are feverish.
Professor Chukwu said people should not wait as the three day after medication theory does not apply as Ebola kills very fast.
He added that constant washing of hands after each activity, avoiding eating of fruits without washing, as well as non consumption of fruits that have been eaten by bats are also ways of guarding against being infected by the Ebola virus.
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