By Tiamiyu Kazeem
The Osun State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has issued a public health advisory to residents of the state on the need to stay alert and safe following reports of the resurfacing of the Ebola Virus Disease.
The advisory, released by the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) of the Osun State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), described Ebola as real and dangerous, calling on residents to know the facts and prevent the spread.
According to the Ministry, *Ebola is a serious and often fatal viral disease* caused by the Ebola virus (a filovirus) that can cause severe illness and spread from person to person, especially through direct contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials of an infected person.
The government outlined the cause and mode of transmission, stating that the virus spreads through infected blood, body fluids such as vomit, urine, faeces, sweat, breast milk, or contaminated surfaces and materials. It added that it can also spread from infected animals such as fruit bats and wild animals to humans.
On signs and symptoms, the Ministry listed *fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, red eyes, skin rash, internal bleeding (from nose, gums, stomach) and in severe cases, organ failure and death.*
The advisory stressed that *there is no specific cure for Ebola*, noting that treatment is mainly supportive and focuses on managing symptoms like fever, pain and dehydration, replacing lost fluids and electrolytes, and treating secondary infections. It added that early medical care increases the chance of survival.
The Ministry warned residents against self-medication, urging anyone who develops any of the symptoms and has a history of contact with a suspected or confirmed case to seek medical attention immediately and report to the nearest health facility.
On prevention, the government urged the public to:
1. Avoid direct contact with blood, body fluids or items used by an infected person.
2. Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub.
3. Avoid handling or eating wild animals such as bats, monkeys and antelopes.
4. Report any suspected case to the nearest health facility or health authority.
The Ministry released hotlines for more information and enquiries: *0813 508 1156 and 0806 446 0738.*
It assured residents that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke is committed to ensuring healthy people and a healthier Osun, adding that “Together We Can Stop Ebola.”
