Latest Ebola News: Nigerian president pledges to contain Ebola spread

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan Monday pledged to contain the spread of the Ebola virus in the country. The Nigerian leader gave the assurance during an interfaith conference organised by Interfaith Initiative for Peace NGO in capital Abuja, Xinhua reported. The president said he would meet with the 36 state governors and the state commissioners of health Wednesday to ensure that they were all poised to fight the deadly virus.

The president pleaded with religious leaders in the country to ensure awareness among their followers about the disease. He noted that 60 percent of the Ebola infections currently in Africa were contracted at the burial ceremonies for those who died of the infection. 'My conversation with the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Margaret Chan, was quite constructive,' he added.

On Aug 8, Jonathan declared a national emergency, saying a sum of 1.9 billion naira ($11.6 million) will be released to prevent further spread of the Ebola Virus. The Ebola virus, transmitted through body fluids, hit African nations of Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, and in recent months spread to other neighbouring countries. Nearly 1,000 people have died and 1,800 have become infected in West Africa.

What Ebola virus?

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.

Here are some preventive measures for people who cannot avoid traveling.

• If you're taking medication for any infectious diseases and if you're currently suffering from viral flu, you should avoid traveling before complete recovery. When you're suffering from an infection, your immunity weakens. This could be a good opportunity for the virus to attack you.
• Older people, young peers and pregnant women should not travel at all. They have a high risk of acquiring infection.
• Those who are traveling should be extra careful about their diet. Eat a balanced diet. Avoid junk food and under-cooked food, especially meat.

Following precautionary measures for travelers.

• In any case, avoid handling items that you suspect have been contaminated, especially blood or body fluids.
• Avoid contact with other people and avoid visiting hospitals where treatment for Ebola is being given. Read more about Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention

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• Latest Ebola News: WHO convenes meeting to asses experimental Ebola drugs
• Ebola in India: Kochi airport ups precautionary measures against Ebola
• Ebola in India: Ebola suspect in Maharashtra being treated in an isolated ward

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