Ebola Virus Disease isn’t new; it’s been with mankind for over three decades with several outbreaks. However, the 2014 outbreak has been the most dreadful and catastrophic, claiming close to 3,000 lives in Africa.
Worse hit countries are Sierra Leone and Liberia. The first reported case was in March 2014, since then the virus has been spreading like wild-fire, crossing the borders into Nigeria, and for the first time gaining access to United States.
The infamous Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer who has been branded a Medical Terrorist was the person who knowingly imported the virus from his country to Lagos, Nigeria.
Surprising-ling, the Nigeria government known with a long history of abandon-recklessness swung into action, identifying and monitoring everyone who had contact with the Liberian-American. Other persons suspected to be carrying the virus were also isolated.
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The Federal Government subsequently released N1.1B to contain the virus. During the process, there were a lot of highs and lows, most especially the ridiculing of the Nigerian government when the United State snub its request to gain access to an experiment drug used in treating two American for Ebola at an Atlanta hospital.
Some Of The Events That Sent Scare Through-out Nigeria
July 20, 2014 – Patrick Sawyer arrives First Consultants Medical Centre Limited, and is admitted. On suspicion of Dr. Adadevoh of blessed memory, EVD test was carried-out on him and tested positive for Zaire Strain of the Ebola Virus.
July 25, 2014 – The Liberian-American is confirmed dead, all agencies promptly notified of the terrifying events. Consultation with W.H.O Regional Ebola Virus Dieses Centre in Conakry, Guinea provided best practices to disinfect the medical centre.
August 2, 2014 – Ebola Virus makes first visit to the United States, Dr. Kent Brantly landed in the United State, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base around 11.am.
August 4, 2014 – Nigerian doctor is infected with Ebola Virus Disease after treating Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian-American who imported the disease into the country.
August 5, 2014 – Lagos state government of Nigeria begins man-hunt for 27 secondary contacts.
August 15, 2014 – Ebola panic in Enugu, 21 suspected patients quarantined, following visit from an infected Nurse.
August 15, 2014 – The United State declares Nano-Silver Nigerian Ebola drug a pesticide.
August 17, 2014 – First Nigerian Ebola survivor declared fit and discharged from hospital. Africa sees the giant in Nigeria.
August 21, 2014 – The Federal Ministry of Health confirms 12 Ebola cases in Nigeria, 4 fully recovered and discharged while 6 Ebola patients were receiving treatment at an isolation centre. Total number of deaths reported to be 5.
August 25, 2014 – Total number of confirmed Ebola cases rises to 14. Seven recoveries and 5 deaths recorded. Two suspected patients awaiting test results.
August 27, 2014 – Dr. Samuel Enemou dies in River State, after treating a Nigerian diplomat, Olu Koye of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease.
August 30, 2014 – Nigerian government places 160 Rivers State residents under surveillance.
September 4, 2014 – Number of people under surveillance in Rivers State rises to 400. The people of Rivers State are in fear and panic.
September 5, 2014 – 4 Ebola cases recorded in Rivers State. More efforts to contain the virus intensify. Federal Government prepares additional N200M for that cause.
September 12, 2014 – Lagos is free, no new cases of Ebola recorded, but the virus continues its rampage in Rivers State.
September 15, 2014 – No new cases of Ebola reported in Nigeria. Total number of Ebola cases stands at 19. 15 recorded in Lagos and 4 in Port Harcourt. All remaining contacts in Lagos and PH are being followed up by medical surveillance team.
Maintaining a very high level of personal hygiene, including regular washing of hands has been reported to prevent the diseases. The W.H.O requires individuals to avoid contact with dead bodies, eating of rats, bats and monkeys. With early detection of the virus, coupled with intensive medical support, the chance of survival are higher. Currently, there are no drugs or vaccines to fight Ebola Virus Disease.
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2 Comments
Emmanuel
Nigeria obviously showed they are the giants if Africa. Africa was about to enter into Economic slavery by way of Economic Partnership Agreement but the giants(Nigeria) raised an interesting concern.
When it comes to issues of Ebola, Nigeria has really shown the way!
Ikuewumi Oluwaseun
This Cool Bro, Lovely Write-up