Learn how Nigeria controls Ebola

Nigeria's capital is a major transit center in the region, which can form a favorable environment for the easy spread of Ebola virus. But timely response and coordination helped the country control the dangerous outbreak.

>>>Nigeria has escaped the Ebola epidemic

On July 20, an infected passenger from Liberia brought the Ebola virus to Lagos, the largest city not only of Nigeria but also of Africa, with a population of 21 million. From the first person to a patient zero infection, the virus gradually spread to more than 19 people and killed 8 people. However, the outbreak has been contained and no more cases have been discovered since then.

Examination of student body temperature at a school in Lagos, Nigeria.(Photo: Reuters)

The Ebola epidemic appears in Nigeria amid a plethora of factors to turn it into a much larger "outbreak" , similar to the devastating virus for other West African nations, Guinea, Sierra and Liberia.

Lagos is a region with a large population, comparable to the population of these three countries combined. It is also a major transshipment hub in the region, with transportation by sea, road and air. These are characteristics that can form a favorable environment for easy spread of the virus.

However, Nigeria's coordinated and timely response has gradually prevented the outbreak of outbreaks.

By the end of September, about 900 people, or nearly everyone who had been in contact with the original patient, had been identified, interviewed and followed. To do this, investigators from Nigeria's Disease Control Center and the Ministry of Health conducted 18,500 direct visits. Meanwhile, people suspected of being infected with Ebola are transferred to the quarantine area. Patients tested positive for Ebola were quickly taken to the treatment center.

The risk of Ebola infection occurs if there is contact with fluids from patients with signs related to the virus. The onset of symptoms in infected people usually lasts 2-21 days. After 21 days, if the exposed person has no symptoms, they will not be affected by Ebola.

In order for the World Health Organization (WHO) to announce that the outbreak has ended, a country must identify no new cases in 42 days (twice the number of days in the incubation period). In addition, surveillance must continue to detect and prevent potential spreads.

Isolation room in Lagos, Nigera.(Photo: CDC)

Live Science said that another important reason for Nigeria to overcome the Ebola crisis was the efficient operation of the virus lab of Lagos University Hospital. According to WHO, this is where researchers can quickly diagnose cases.

In Nigeria, people are educated about the characteristics and dangerous nature of epidemics through social media and television programs."Public awareness campaigns, with early collaboration of community group leaders, religious groups or other organizations, also play an important role to control disease success , " WHO said. identify.

Currently, Nigeria continues to maintain a high level of warning with epidemics, as its health officials are still trying to find and detect cases of virus infection. However, the success of Western nations This Africa shows by timely response measures, Ebola can be controlled.

"This is a particularly spectacular story, showing the world that Ebola can be controlled , " Al Jazeera quoted Rui Gama Vaz, head of the WHO office in Nigeria.

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