By now, almost every Nigerian is familiar with the Ebola Virus Disease. The virus is spread through close contact with the bodily fluid including vomit, blood and urine, of infected persons that are already showing the symptoms of the virus. The virus does not enter the body through the skin. It needs an opening such as the mouth, nose, private parts, etc.
EVD- the way it is transmitted and treated, as well as the potential complications and mortality rate- is definitely a source of constant panic.
The recent diagnosis of Mr. Duncan in a Dallas hospital in the United States further stresses the fact that successfully containing further spread of the EVD is going to be a major challenge.
Even though Ebola is currently contained in Nigeria, it is very important that we do not relax. Washing our hands, avoiding the consumption of fruit bats and other possible animal carriers of the EDV, and maintaining a clean environment is still as important today as it was during the Ebola outbreak.
If Mr. Duncan could still travel to the USA with the virus, there is still a chance that the virus could re-emerge into Nigeria.
Don’t throw away your hand sanitisers and gloves yet. Wash your hands frequently. Prevention is better than cure.
About the author: Amina Salau is a writer and editor running The Illuminated Pen. You can find her online at www.theilluminatedpen.com and on Twitter (@_Aminah).
