Nigerians have been urged to avoid panic and remain alert to check further spread of the Ebola virus in the country.
President Goodluck Jonathan said this yesterday in a speech delivered by his vice, Namadi Sambo, during the inauguration of the first National Trauma Centre at the National Hospital, Abuja.
He advised all Nigerians to take precautionary measures against the disease, saying that the government had put in place measures and facilities for detection and management of the disease.
“It will also be appropriate, at this time, to say a few words about the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, which has taken the lives of many in some West African countries and of which we have recorded two deaths here in Nigeria.
“It is regrettable that the emergence of the disease on our shores was due to migration and transmission.
“It is important that we avoid panic and take the highest possible care in hygiene and contact, and by adhering to guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Health.
“We have put measures and facilities in place for detection and management and are working in concert with the international community to stem its spread. We must remain at high alert,” he said.
Jonathan said that the provision of the Trauma Centre was in fulfillment of the cardinal objective of the ongoing transformation agenda of his administration, as prioritised in the National Strategic Health Development Plan.
Meanwhile, a 10th case of the Ebola virus has been confirmed in Nigeria, while 177 persons are being watched for symptoms, according to the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chuwku.
“It has been 22 days since the virus first landed in Nigeria. As at today, 177 primary and secondary contacts of the index case have been placed under surveillance or isolation.
“The 10th case actually was one of the nurses who also had contact with our index case; when she got ill we brought her into isolation, we just tested her over the weekend and she tested positive,” said Chukwu.
“That is what made it 10 cases since the last conference on Friday. Between Friday and today, we have one additional case that brings it to 10.”
961 people have died as a result of the Ebola Virus Disease endemic in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and recently Nigeria.
