The Lagos State government had earlier issued an alert to residents of the state over the deadly virus currently sweeping through some west African countries, including Liberia.
The state Ministry of Health yesterday said that a Liberian man in his 40s was being tested for the deadly Ebola virus in Lagos. This would be the first recorded case of one of the world's deadliest diseases in Nigeria.
Briefing newsmen on the case, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina said the Liberian man being tested for the Ebola Virus is currently at a private hospital in Obalende, Lagos.
She said the man has been isolated and the hospital vicinity cordoned off and that 30 other people are also being tested for possible contact with the deadly virus.
Dr Adeshina warned residents to “keep personal and environmental hygiene” and urged those who notice;
“strange feeling or symptoms similar to those of Ebola virus, which ranges from fever, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sore throat and joint pains, which are all symptoms of other ailments, to visit competent health facilities”.
In the absence of such facilities, she said residents should call the following numbers - 08023169485, 08033086660, 08033065303, 08055281442, 08055329229.
Ebola is a human disease caused by ebola viruses. Symptoms start two days to three weeks after contracting the virus with a fever, throat and muscle pains, and headaches. There is then nausea, vomiting and diarrhea along with decreased functioning of the liver and kidneys.
The disease can be contacted when a person comes into contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected animal such as a monkey or fruit bat. There is no specific treatment for the virus with efforts to help people including giving the person either oral rehydration therapy or intravenous fluids.
Measures that will help in stopping the outbreak to include;
1. wash hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizers
2. avoid close contact with people who are sick
3. ensure that objects used by the sick are decontaminated and properly disposed.
4. avoid bush meat or any meat which you're not sure of the source
5. be careful not to touch hand railings, door handles, etc
6. watch for people with fever or malaria, encourage them to go to the hospital
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