Herbal Healers' Claim To Cure Ebola False -Delta

Delta State Government has dismissed claims by some traditional
medicine practitioners in the state that they could cure Ebola Virus
Disease.

In a press release issued by the Commissioner for Information, Mr.
Chike Ogeah, on Thursday, the state government said, "The claims are
completely false, untenable, dangerous and represent a threat to
public health.

"It is hereby restated that there is no known cure yet for the Ebola
Virus Disease. The media, especially television and radio broadcast
houses should refrain from promoting any claim of cure for EVD by any
unorthodox medical practitioner.

"Any jingle and promotional programme claiming to have the cure for
EVD should no longer be broadcast."

The commissioner warned traditional medical practitioners and
spiritual healers to desist from making any claim of cure for EVD.

"Anybody that makes sure claims again will be considered a threat to
public health and arrested by the relevant security agencies," he
said.

He reiterated the instruction of the World Health Organisation and
health agencies in Nigeria that observance of strict hygiene and
health rules to stave off contact with the disease remain the best
option.

"Experts have also advised that regular washing of hands with soap,
avoiding contact with infected persons and avoiding eating bush meat
not sufficiently cooked will protect everybody from being infected
with the disease," he added.

The Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, had constituted
an inter-ministerial Ebola Virus Outbreak Preparedness and Response
Committee to superintendent efforts at preventing an outbreak of EVD
in Delta State.

While assuring that there was no outbreak of EVD in the state, Ogeah
called on residents to remain vigilant and observe basic rules of
cleanliness.