My
dear people of Rivers State, we woke up this morning to the sad
confirmation that the dreaded ebola virus disease has claimed its first
victim in Rivers State.
Dr. Iyke Sam Enemuo died last Friday, August 22, 2014 as a result of
what was suspected to be ebola virus disease. The State Ministry of
Health on becoming aware of the conditions of his death, immediately
commenced investigations and contact tracing. As at today, about one
hundred contacts from a hotel, patients of Dr. Enemuo and patients of
the hospital where the late Enemuo was treated until his demise have
been identified and restricted. The different locations are being
decontaminated.
Our investigations reveal that:
1. A staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
on the team that received late Dr. Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian American
diplomat who died of ebola haemorrhagic disease in Lagos, Nigeria made a
trip to Port Harcourt where he checked into a hotel and met with Dr.
Iyke Sam Enemuo.
2. About a week after his departure, Dr. Iyke Enemuo took ill and was
rushed to a hospital with symptoms of fever, diarrhea and vomiting. In
the course of treatment, the managing physician became suspicious and
took blood samples for investigation.
3. A few days later, Dr. Iyke Enemuo died, precisely on August 22,
2014. Dr. Iyke Enemuo’s widow, who is also a medical doctor and who
cared for him during his illness has taken ill. She is being
quarantined.
4. The diplomat who was seen by late Dr. Iyke Enemuo is alive and well.
There’s no need to panic. Everyone should remain calm and go about
their normal businesses. The Government of Rivers State is doing
everything possible to contain the effects and spread of the ebola
virus.
We have the material and human resources we need to fight and defeat
the deadly virus. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and
other international agencies are already here working with the state
ministry of health to contain and combat the virus.
Now, we must all endeavour to adhere to basic hygiene rules. Wash
your hands regularly with soap and water and avoid unnecessary body
contacts like shaking of hands.
Anyone with symptoms indicative of diarrhea, high fever, vomiting,
abdominal pain, excessive weakness of the body and unexplained bleeding,
should call these our ebola emergency numbers: 08167733939,
07036321076, 08033124314 or our State emergency call centre: 112.
It is a known fact that early detection and appropriate medical
attention increases the chances of survival of an infected person.
People have survived Ebola and more people can survive it. There is no
need or reason to hide or run away. Seek immediate medical help. Call
our Ebola help lines.
Together, we can contain and defeat the ebola virus.
Thank you, stay safe and God bless.
- See more at:
http://www.medicalworldnigeria.com/2014/08/special-broadcast-to-the-people-of-rivers-state-by-his-excellency-rt-hon-chibuike-rotimi-amaechi-governor-of-rivers-state-on-the-ebola-virus-disease-evd#.VAMijKBM1uM
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