Governor Amaechi has disclosed how the dreaded Ebola virus disease made inroads to Rivers State.
Speaking in a radio broadcast, the Governor narrated the genesis of the situation:
Dr. Ike Sam Enemuo died last Friday August 22 2014 as a result of what was suspected to be Ebola virus. The state ministry of health, on becoming aware of his death, commenced investigation and contact tracing.
And as at today, about 100 contacts from the hotel, patients of Dr. Enemuo and patients from the hospital where the late Enemuo was treated have been identified and restricted. Different locations are being decontaminated.
Our investigations revealed that a staff of the Economic Community of West African States, on the day that the late Sawyer who died of Ebola, made a trip to Port Harcourt were he went into a hotel and met with Dr. Ike (Enemuo). About a week after his departure, Dr. Ike took ill and was rushed to the hospital with symptoms of fever diarrhea.
In the course of treatment, the doctor became suspicious and took blood samples for investigation.
In three days, late Dr. Ike died. Dr. Ike’s widow, who is also medical person and who also took care of him, has taken ill and has been quarantined.
Diplomat, who was seen by late Dr. Enemuo is alive and well. There is no need to panic. Everybody should remain claim and go about their normal duties.
The Government of Rivers state is doing everything possible to contain the effect and spread of Ebola virus. We have the material and human resources we need to fight and defeat the virus. Officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and international agencies are all already working with the Ministry of Health to contain and combat the various.
Now, we must all endeavour to adhere to the basic rules. Wash your hands regularly with soap and avoid unnecessary body contact. Anybody with symptoms indicative of diarrhea, vomiting, excessive abdominal pain and bleeding should call our emergency number – 08167733939 and 07036321076 – or call our emergency centre – 112.
Early detection and appropriate medical attention increase the chances of survival of an infected person. People have survived Ebola and more people can survive it. There is no need to hide or run away. Seek immediate medical care. Call our Ebola help line. Together we can contain and defeat Ebola virus.
Stay safe and God bless you.