the deadly Ebola Virus. Nigeria has not recorded a new case of Ebola
for 42 days or two incubation period of 21 days.
WHO representative, Rui Gama Vaz, who said it was a "spectacular
success story", added that"Nigeria is now free of Ebola.
"This is a spectacular success story. It shows that Ebola can be
contained but we must be clear that we have only won a battle, the war
will only end when West Africa is also declared free of Ebola", he
said.
The disease gained entry into the country in July when Liberian,
Patrick Sawyer, came in on diplomatic assignment.
The diplomat had fallen ill and was admitted at the First Consultants
Hospital, Obalende, in Lagos.
Nigeria had 20 cases in total, of which eight died.
The outbreak has killed more than 4,500 people in West Africa, mostly
in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.
An estimated 70% of those infected have died in those countries.
The WHO officially declared Senegal Ebola-free on Friday. Below is the
full statement by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Official Statement By WHO country representative, Rui Gama Vaz
Today 20th October, 42 days(twice the incubation period) after the
last confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease was discharged from the
isolation ward having tested negative for Ebola virus, the chains of
transmission have been broken.
WHO officially declares that Nigeria is now free of Ebola virus
transmission. The virus is gone for now. The outbreak in Nigeria has
been contained. But we must be clear that we only won a battle. The
war will only end when West Africa is also declared free of Ebola.
While the outbreak is now officially over, Nigeria's geographical
position and extensive borders makes the country vulnerable to
additional imported cases of Ebola Virus Disease. It is therefore
critical to continue vigilance for any suspected cases by strict
compliance with WHO EVD preparedness guidelines. Therefore there is
need to continue to work together with states to ensure adequate
preparedness to rapidly respond, in case of any potential
re-importation.
--Channels
No comments:
Post a Comment