Medical Practitioner Lauds Measures To Tackle Ebola in Nigeria

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, National News, News Saturday, August 2nd, 2014

The Nigerian government and Health stakeholders have been commended on various initiatives and measures taken so far to check outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus in the country.

An Endocrinologist Consultant, Dr Sule Bathner, gave the commendation on Saturday in Bauchi, at meeting of the State’s chapter of Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN).

Dr. Bathner disclosed that aside from the proper handling of the first Ebola victim and causality, late Patrick Sawyer in Lagos penultimate last week, sustainable efforts, vigorous enlightenment campaign by the government and various health agencies across the country were impressive and commendable.

He recalled the virus has been in existence for long, terminating lives in some African countries and lamented that the casualties this year alone, was higher compare to the previous years.

“The virus has no cure for now but with quick intervention, there is 10 per cent probability that a patients could be lucky to survive. However, without proper First Aid, the probability of survival is zero,” he explained.

Bathner, Head of Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, further explained that the easiest way of contracting the virus was through physical contact with a victim or the victim’s corpse.

Ebola Virus, Bathner confirmed could be found in the jungle wild animals such as Bats, Monkeys, Gorillas and the like.

He explained that the animals were agents through which the virus could be spread and contracted. The Physician also confirmed that experts were still working on a vaccine to cure the virus which had killed over 1000 victims out of which were over 600 from the African countries, including: Garbon, Sirrea Leone, Liberia and lately Nigeria.