Logout By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Nigeria has been successful in its efforts to control the spread of Ebola disease, a minister said. Nigerian Minister of Health Onyeabuchi Chukwu Wednesday said that only two people have been infected with the virus in Nigeria at present, Xinhua reported. He said the Nigerian government was being praised by various international organisations and the US government on the ways the outbreak of the virus was being handled. (Read: Has the Ebola virus really come to India?)
Chukwu said the federal government was contemplating honouring all victims of the Ebola virus, particularly the medical personnel who died as a result of the disease. He said the government was in touch with the family of the doctor who died Tuesday. At least 177 people are under surveillance in Nigeria, Chukwu said. Earlier this month, Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan declared a national emergency, saying a sum of 1.9 billion naira ($11.6 million) would be released to prevent further spread of the epidemic. (Read: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)
Ebola spreads through body fluids and has killed over 1,200 people in West African countries. According to the UN, number of Ebola cases in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, has reached 2,240 and a total of 1,229 deaths were registered. An outbreak of Ebola virus disease began in Guinea in December 2013, leading to an epidemic in West Africa after it spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Ebola is a highly infectious disease spread through body contact with an infected person. Its symptoms are high fever, bleeding, diarrhoea and red eyes among others. (Read: 5 reasons the ebola virus should never come to India)
Take this 60-second Ebola quiz and save your life!
What is it?
The Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe condition caused by a virus from the Filoviridae family. Known to be a condition that is transmitted from animals to humans, this virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal.
What are the symptoms?
The incubation period (or the time between when the actual infection takes place to the time when a person sees symptoms of this condition) for this disease is about one week. After this period a person will commonly see the signs that are considered as 'early symptoms'. According to Dr Ratan,the early symptoms include fever, rashes, headache, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Apart from that a person may also experience symptoms like pain in the lower back, arthritis like pain all over the body, diarrhea and a sore throat.
How can it be prevented?
According to Dr Ratan, 'There aren't any vaccinations available as of now, so basic hygiene is of importance and a must be followed in order to prevent the onset of the condition. Simple activities like washing your hands well, drinking water from a clean source, maintaining general hygiene and cooking your meat well, can all serve as precautionary measures. Apart from that people should avoid crowded places, or those that are known to have an outbreak. It is also important that if they notice any early symptoms, they should visit a doctor immediately.' Read more about Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
You may also like to read:
For more articles on diseases & conditions , visit our diseases & conditions section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And for health-related queries, visit our Questions and Answers section.
Follow us on