A new case of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been reported in Liberia. This means that the country which was certified EVD free by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 9, 2015 has witnessed a resurgence of the disease.

 

A 17-year-old boy from a village near the Liberian capital died of Ebola. He had no history of travelling out of Liberia and no history of coming into contact with any known Ebola case. The boy has since been buried but Liberian health officials are worried that he may have transmitted the virus to many other people who came into contact with him.

 

The resurgence of EVD in Liberia confirms that the Ebola Virus is still circulating in that country and transmission from person-to person is possible.

Nigerians should not panic but must be aware and be vigilant. Members of the public are advised to observe basic hygiene and report any suspected case to the nearest health facility. 

 

It must be noted that the main symptoms of the Ebola Virus Disease are fever, severe headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Patients in some cases, also have neurological symptoms of becoming confused and restless.

 

To address the challenges of the development in neighbouring Liberia, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) is reactivating its response mechanism and increasing the level of its alert. All state ministries of health and health facilities are hereby advised to raise their alert level and report any suspected case to the Federal Ministry of Health.

 

A. O. Adesugba (Mrs.)

Director Press & Public Relations

1st July 2015