Ebola Virus: what you need to know

Ebola is a rare but deadly virus that causes bleeding inside and outside the body. The disease is also known as Ebola haerrmoghic virus or Ebola virus disease, kills up to 90% of people infected. It strikes mainly in remote villages of central Africa and has

recently spread to West African states such as Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

SYMPTOMS

The early symptoms of Ebola includes:

• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Weakness
• Diarrhoea

These symptoms when worsen may lead to

• Bleeding inside and outside the body
• Rash
• Difficulty in breathing
• Cholera
• Hepatitis
• Malaria
• Meningitis
• Typhoid fever

PREVENTION

There is no real treatment or cure for Ebola.

• You should avoid traveling to areas where the virus is found.
• wash hands properly with antiseptic soaps
• Health care workers should wear protective masks, gloves and goggles.
• Stop the consumption of animals (esp. bats, gorillas and chimpanzees).
• Disinfect homes of the dead and the sick.

In light of the recent discovery of a 40 yr old Liberian man in Lagos state, Nigeria the government has advised the general public if any of this symptoms is found should contact the nearest health centre or call the following numbers:

08023169485, 08033086660, 08055281442, 08055329229, 08033065303