Have you heard? There’s an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As of the 18th of May there were 45 cases and 25 deaths and the virus had spread from isolated rural areas of DRC to a city of 1.2 million people.
We all need to remain alert because infectious diseases don’t respect borders and can easily spread from place to place. They can spread anywhere and everywhere! We saw this when Ebola came to Nigeria in 2014 as the source was a Liberian man who traveled from Monrovia to Lagos, bringing the virus with him.
Read on to learn about the Ebola virus and how to stay safe wherever you are.
WHY DOES EBOLA KEEP COMING BACK?
DRC has had 9 outbreaks of Ebola since the virus was first discovered in the country in 1976. The Ebola virus is endemic (or “native”) to DRC and lives in animals. Since we cannot eradicate all the animals who may carry the virus, and as long as humans continue to come in contact with these animals, there will always be the possibility of another Ebola outbreak.
HOW EBOLA SPREADS
- blood or body fluids such as urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen of an infected person or someone who has died from Ebola
- objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated by an infected person or someone who has died from Ebola
- contact with semen of an Ebola survivor
Ebola is not spread through the air or water.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Some Ebola symptoms mimic malaria, typhoid, and cholera symptoms so please go to the hospital if you have any of the following:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Weakness
- Muscle pain
- Stomach pain
- Unexplained bleeding
HOW TO PREVENT INFECTION
To stay safe, you must:
- Maintain good hygiene habits
- Wash your hands with soap regularly (especially after using the toilet and before you eat)
- Use hand sanitizer if you can’t find soap or clean water
- Be aware of strange signs or symptoms in your body or in those around you
- Avoid contact with blood and body fluids
- Don’t eat bushmeat
- Don’t assume every fever is malaria! Get tested!
3 healthworkers in DRC have already been infected in the current outbreak so health professionals should practice proper infection prevention and control measures and make use of personal protective equipment when treating suspected cases.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET SICK
Early diagnosis is important to increase the chances of a full recovery. If you suspect that you or someone around you has Ebola, seek medical treatment immediately.
For suspected cases, contact:
- Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC)
- Toll Free: 080097000010
- SMS: 08099555577
- Whatsapp: 07087110839
- Your state Ministry of Health
WHAT DRASA IS DOING?
The Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust exists to strengthen Nigeria’s level of readiness for events like this so we will continue to support the government on preparedness activities to help prevent another Ebola outbreak.
Last week we participated in a simulation exercise to assess preparedness and response at a major port of entry in Nigeria. We will continue to train healthworkers on how to practice universal precautions and identify possible infectious patients while also protecting themselves. We will also continue to conduct our community and youth engagement programs, promote key messages through various social media channels, and leverage traditional media (radio, TV, print) to sensitize people all over the country on what is happening, what to look out for, and how they can protect themselves.
WHAT CAN I DO?
A lot of great work has been done to ensure that Nigeria is prepared, but now more than ever with this immediate threat of Ebola resurfacing in DRC, we all need to remain alert. Please practice all the prevention tips above and share this information with your loved ones.
If you have any questions, email us at info@drasatrust.org
