MINISTER of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, on Tuesday, said only one Ebola patient remained in isolation in the country, down from the 13 cases it confirmed since the outbreak of the virus in July. Professor Chukwu, at a press conference, also disclosed that two more people in isolation had been tested negative to the deadly virus. The deadly virus was first brought to Nigeria 38 days ago by a Liberian- American, Patrick Sawyer, who later died, but after health workers who treated him had contracted the virus. Professor Chukwu said so far, Nigeria has had 13 cases, including the index case, adding that five of those infected died, while seven had successfully recovered and discharged. The health minister announced that two of the nurses who treated Sawyer were discharged at the isolation centre in Lagos, on Monday. He said Nigeria had been able to curtail Ebola in the country, adding that all the 129 people under surveillance had completed the 21-day observation incubation period, with only one of them found to be symptomatic and still being observed. Today marks the 38th day since the Ebola virus disease was imported into Nigeria by a Liberian-American. As of today, August 26, Nigeria has had 13 cases, including the index case. Of these 13, five, including the index case, unfortunately did not survive the disease and are now late. However, seven of the infected persons were successfully managed at the isolation ward in Lagos and have been discharged. Two of the treated patients, a male doctor and a female nurse, were discharged yesterday (Monday), having satisfied the criteria for being discharged. As I speak to you, Nigeria has only one confirmed case of Ebola virus, a secondary contact of Mr Sawyer. This is an indication that, thus far, the country has contained the outbreak. I wish to reassure Nigerians and, indeed, the global community that the government shall remain vigilant and will not relent as government continues to work with its partners to ensure that the disease is kept out of the country, the minister added.
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 06:03:18 +0000
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