The World Health Organisation
(WHO) has declared Nigeria Ebola-free today.
According to WHO representative,
Rui Gama Vaz, “This is a spectacular success story. It shows that Ebola can be
contained but we must be clear that we have only won a battle, the war will
only end when West Africa is also declared free of Ebola”.
Official Statement by WHO country
representative, Rui Gama Vaz
Today 20th October, 42 days (twice
the incubation period) after the last confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease was
discharged from the isolation ward having tested negative for Ebola virus, the
chains of transmission have been broken.
WHO officially declares that
Nigeria is now free of Ebola virus transmission. The virus is gone for now. The
outbreak in Nigeria has been contained. But we must be clear that we only won a
battle. The war will only end when West Africa is also declared free of Ebola.
While the outbreak is now
officially over, Nigeria’s geographical position and extensive borders makes
the country vulnerable to additional imported cases of Ebola Virus Disease. It
is therefore critical to continue vigilance for any suspected cases by strict
compliance with WHO EVD preparedness guidelines. Therefore there is need to
continue to work together with states to ensure adequate preparedness to
rapidly respond, in case of any potential re-importation.
Since the deadly disease came
into the country in July by the Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, Nigerians have been living
in panic and fear as handshakes and hugs reduced drastically.
Senegal was also officially
declared free of Ebola by WHO last Friday.
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