There’s an Ebola outbreak in Kinshasa, DRC which is 2,997km or a short 2hr 50mins flight to Lagos, Nigeria. So far 4 people have died.
When Nigeria experienced Ebola in 2014, the source was a man who traveled by plane into Nigeria from Liberia.
Moral of the story is: Diseases don’t respect borders. They can spread anywhere and everywhere!
Read on to learn about Ebola and how to stay safe.
HOW EBOLA SPREADS
Ebola spreads from person to person through direct contact with:
- blood or body fluids such as urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen of an infected person or someone who has died from Ebola
- objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated by an infected person or someone who has died from Ebola
- infected animals such as fruit bats, apes, monkeys (bushmeat)
- contact with semen of an Ebola survivor
Ebola is not spread through the air, water, or food.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Some Ebola symptoms mimic malaria, typhoid, or cholera symptoms so please go to the hospital if you have any of the following:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Weakness
- Muscle Pain
- Stomach pain
- Unexplained bleeding
PREVENTION TIPS
To stay safe, you must:
- Maintain good hygiene habits
- Wash your hands with soap regularly (especially after using the bathroom and before you eat)
- Use hand sanitizer if you can’t find soap and clean water
- Be aware of strange signs or symptoms in your body
- Avoid contact with blood and body fluids
- Don’t eat bushmeat
- Don’t assume every fever is malaria! Get tested!
Health professionals should practice proper infection control and sterilization measures for universal safety, and make use of personal protective equipment when treating suspected cases.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET SICK
Early diagnosis is important to increase the chances of a full recovery. If you suspect that you or someone around you has Ebola, seek medical treatment immediately.
For suspected cases, contact:
- Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC)
- Toll Free: 080097000010
- SMS: 08099555577
- Whatsapp: 07087110839
- Your state Ministry of Health
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]