Nigeria is not the only African country at the risk of a fresh Ebola outbreak, so says the World Health Organisation (WHO).
WHO has classified Nigeria and several other countries in the African region to be at ‘moderate risk’ of spread, as a result of the recent outbreak of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which disclosed this in a statement Saturday, however, warned Nigerians to be cautious and take precautionary measures to prevent an outbreak of the virus in the country.
Meanwhile, the NCDC has placed citizens on the alert over a possible outbreak of Ebola.
The Centre has issued guidelines to guide Nigerians on what to do.
According to it, to prevent the spread of Ebola, members of the public are advised to adhere to the following precautions:
- Wash your hands frequently using soap and water – use hand sanitizers when soap and water is not readily available
- Avoid direct handling of dead wild animals
- Avoid physical contact with anyone who has possible symptoms of an infection with an unknown diagnosis
- Make sure fruit and vegetables are properly washed and peeled before you eat them
Health care workers are also advised to ensure universal care precautions at all times. This includes the use of personal protective equipment when handling patients. In addition, patients who are suspected to have Ebola should be immediately isolated from other patients.
For advice, enquiries and notifications, the public has been advised to call the following lines:
NCDC TOLL-FREE LINE: 0800 9700 0010
SMS: 08099555577, WHATSAPP: 07087110839
Meanwhile, The federal government of Nigeria has said the ongoing Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) strike, would not hinder the Ebola screening of travellers coming into the country as health workers in the port would not be joining the strike.
Photo Credit: WHO