Rivers records first suspected case of Ebola

Rivers State government on Wednesday said it is investigating a possible first Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)-related death, which occurred in a private hospital in Port Harcourt.
 The State Commissioner of Health, Sampson Parker, who revealed this yesterday said a health worker from Lagos had been admitted in a private clinic in D/Line area of Port Harcourt, and later died after much vomiting and stooling.
Parker explained that the state government in collaboration with the Emergency Ebola Unit of the Federal Ministry of Health, World Health Organization and EVD experts from the Elizabeth Griffin Research Foundation, from the United States currently in the state, are working on this first suspected case of EVD death.
“We are aware of the death of a health worker who had fever and diarrhoea and I want to let you know that tests and investigation are being carried out. Of course, the result of this will be made known to you promptly and we are working together with experts from the Ministry of Health, Emergency Ebola Unit of the Federal Ministry of Health and you are aware of the Elizabeth Griffin Research Foundation experts that are already with us. I urge you, as a precautionary measure, to refrain from unnecessary body contact,” he said.
He urged hospitals and clinics to stop rejecting patients with fever and diarrhoea, instead; ensure such persons are handled with a high degree of caution and suspicion.  He also advised the public to take necessary hygienic precautions for the time being as a preventive measure.
“There have been rumours making the rounds, which have led to panic and patients being rejected in hospitals. Let me make it clear that no patient should be turned back from any hospital but utmost safety precautions and protocols should be observed in any case of high fever and diarrhoea,” he added.
The Commissioner of Health who said the state has not officially confirmed case of EVD, assured residents that the government has taken necessary steps to confront any possible outbreak in the state.