Fear grips Nigerians as Ebola Virus returns in DRC.

The fear of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease EVD has hit Nigerians as the disease has reportedly returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to reports this is the 16th outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (EVD), confirmed in the Kasai Province of DRC.

Local correspondents of Umuaka Times in the DRC disclosed that 28 cases have so far been identified with 15 deathsas at press time last week. The death toll include 4 health workers.

According to reports, the index case was“a 34-year-old pregnant woman admitted to hospital last month with symptoms including high fever and repeated vomiting. To date, 15 deaths have been reported, and 28 suspected cases identified across two health zones (Bulape and Mweka) in Kasai province. Four of the cases were among healthcare workers. Laboratory tests have confirmed the Zaire strain of Ebola. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of exposure.”

Be that as it may, Nigerians are currently living in fear as they recall the bad memories of  “Ebola outbreak of the 2014-2016 that ravaged West Africa, including Nigeria and Liberia.Against this backdrop, citizens are wondering if history would repeat itself as the virus may spread to Nigeria if not properly checked.

Indications that emerged last week showed that direct travels between Nigeria and DRC may be a catalyst to enhance the spread. Nigeri with its porous borders may not be in a good position to checkmate the transmission of the disease. As Nigerians anxiously follow updates from DRC, they are optimistic that the Federal Government will launch a swift action from health authorities to prevent another outbreak.

Reports from the DRC last week confirmed that Africa Centre for Disease Control“immediately engaged with the Ministry of Health and stands in close solidarity with the DRC. Following the declaration of the outbreak, Director General Dr Jean Kaseya travelled to the country and met with the Minister of Health to discuss outbreak management. Africa CDC has rapidly deployed experts to reinforce surveillance, contact tracing, data management, laboratory capacity, and infection prevention and control in the affected zones.”

The report furthes states that “EVD is a zoonotic viral haemorrhagic fever affecting humans and non-human primates. The virus is transmitted from infected wild animals (such as fruit bats, porcupines, and primates) to humans. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids or tissues of infected individuals, or contaminated surfaces and materials. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. The disease has an average case fatality rate of about 50%.”

For now, it is generally believed that the African CDC and other health agencies will do their best to prevent the spread.