Lagos: Following the recent outbreak of Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo, the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, yesterday, called on the Federal Government to step up surveillance and strengthen response team across the borders and other national routes of entry into the country, as the World Health Organisation, WHO has ruled out issuing of movements in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement jointly signed by the President, Dr. Mike Ogirima and Secretary General, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the NMA also called for vigilance on the part of the Federal Government. According to them, NMA is ready to partner with the Federal Ministry of Health to achieve another resounding success on the prevention and control of the fresh outbreak.
The statement read: “We also wish to call on all health teams to refresh their knowledge on clinical presentation of Ebola, apply universal basic precautions in patients’ care and use the standard protocols of management and reporting of suspected cases.” It further urged Nigerians not to panic but cooperate with government in securing the nation, especially during surveillance at entry points if the need arises.
“The NMA assures all Nigerians of the readiness of her members to do more to safe guards the health of the nation.”
The duo, further restated that the recent declaration of outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo was another major setback to the world.
“The devastation brought about by the last outbreak still remains fresh in our minds. West Africa was worst affected with more than 11,000 deaths recorded in the Ebola outbreak in 2014-2015, mainly in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
“Efforts by the Government of Federal Republic of Nigeria had been acclaimed as one of the best moment the country demonstrated-
That where there is political will success is assured.
The role of our fallen heroes especially Late Dr. Adadevoh in the control of the spread of the disease is not only worth remembering but remind us on the need to make sacrifices for our country.’
No need for travel restrictions in DRC
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation, WHO, has ruled out restrictions in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the wake of the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in a part of the country.
Two more suspected cases of Ebola were conformed even as Port Health officials are at alert in all of the country’s airports and surveillance has been stepped up. Officials of the WHO say situation is being taken “very seriously”.
To prevent the spread of the virus, they are quickly tracking down, testing, isolating and treating suspected cases.
There is no specific treatment or cure for Ebola. Although the full extent of the 2017 outbreak is still not yet clear, but WHO is not recommending any restriction of travel and trade to DRC based on the currently available information.
This is the eighth outbreak of Ebola virus disease since its discovery in 1976 in the DRC.
The worst Ebola outbreak was in 2014, when the virus infected more than 28,000 and killed over 11,300 people in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
On 20 November 2014, in line with WHO recommendations, the Ministry of Health of DRC and WHO declared the end of the Ebola Virus disease outbreak that started on 24 August 2014 and resulted in a total of 38 laboratory confirmed cases and 28 probable cases including 49 deaths in Boende, Equateur province.
The Ebola virus has been most detrimental in West Africa, where it killed more than 11,000 people in 2014-15.
Clinical tests by the World Health Organization tested one of the bodies positive of the Ebola after the patient fell sick of haemorrhagic fever along the borders of Central African Republic.
The disease is fatal in almost 90 percent of cases and is highly contagious, spreading by direct contact and leaving survivors with long-term health problems.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti visited Kinshasa late last week to discuss with national authorities and partners ways to mount a rapid, effective and coherent response in order to stop the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
visit followed notification by the DRC Government of an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Likati health zone, Bas Uele Province, in the northern part of the country bordering Central African Republic. The first case occurred on 22 April in a 45-year-old male.
He was transported by taxi to hospital and was dead on arrival. The driver also fell ill and later died.
A third person who cared for the first case also became ill and has subsequently died. At present, 25 contacts of the second patient who died are being followed. Of the cases and deaths, 1 has been tested PCR-positive for Ebola.
