Ebola: The magic of early detection

TO many across the world today, the Ebola Virus Disease is a death sentence. But it is not.

In recent times, pictures of survivors of the EVD from Liberia and Sierra Leone have graced the pages of the Nigerian media. Babies, teenagers and the elderly who have been through the glass pose for the camera in a well- earned victory dance.

The EVD may have killed more than 1,500 people since its latest outbreak but the glistening faces of the survivors are proof that the disease is not a death sentence.

This has been a key message from government officials since July 20 when the index case, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, arrived in Lagos from Monrovia, Liberia.

Nigeria has recorded six deaths so far but there have also been a number of survivors.

While addressing the press recently, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, had advised Nigerians exhibiting symptoms consistent with the EVD to report early to the Infectious Disease Unit of the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

According to him, the chances of surviving the disease are higher when the disease is tackled early with intensive supportive care..........................click for more on this news