Nigeria has a poor reputation for safety and civil unrest and yet, for the traveller, it can seem like the friendliest and most welcoming country in West Africa. Finding a way through these apparently contradictory states is the way to get the most out of your holiday. It is also recommended that you bring a substantial supply of any important medication along with you as the availability of your medication in Nigerian pharmacies is not certain, most especially when you have a preferred name brand.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EBOLA VIRUS
EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE
Zaire Ebola virus or EBOV other wise known as Ebola Virus is a virological taxon species that belongs in the genus Ebola virus, family: filouiridae, members are called filovirus and the order is monogamousness. Among the five species of the ebola virus, the Zaire Ebola virus is the most dangerous and it causes hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primate.
The first case of the virus was recorded in 1976 in a river called Ebola where the disease got it name from in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nzara, Sudan. According to records gotten from World Health Organisation (WHO), the disease was transmitted to humans through the handling of host carrier Fruits Bats and other primates such as monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas, forest antelopes and porcupines that were found ill or dead in the rain forest.
HOW IS THE VIRUS TRANSMITTED?
The Ebola Virus which is highly contagious and reputed to be one of mankind’s most deadliest diseases was transmitted in the human population via close contact with the host carrier (fruits bats) and other ill or dead primates infected with the virus. It can be transmitted through the following means:
1. Through consumption of the host carrier (fruits bats)
2. You are at risks if you have a personal contact with the body fluids such as: sweats, saliva, urine, blood, faeces and semen of an infected person.
3. One can get infected through exposure to contaminated objects such as needles, syringe, soiled bedding or clothing used by an infected person
4. Consumption of primates that have already been infected by the host carrier.
5. Men who have been treated of the disease can still transmit to their spouse through semen 7 weeks after recovery from the illness.
6. The disease can also be gotten from close contact with the dead body of an infected person
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Ebola Virus can stay in the body of an infected person for 2-21 days before they start showing signs. However, the signs of the disease is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, weakness, muscles pain, headache and sore throat. If the sickness is allowed to get to it final stage, the infected person has symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function and in some cases, internal and external bleeding.
VACCINE AND TREATMENT
Presently, there is no vaccine that can cure the Ebola Virus but several test are been conducted to ensure a vaccine is gotten. For the time being, those who have already been infected and severely ill, they require intensive supportive care, they will be frequently dehydrated and rehydrated with solutions containing electrolytes or intravenous fluids.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE VIRUS
COUNTRIES CURRENTLY AFFECTED
The disease which had a major outbreak in March 2014 started in Guinea and was further spread to neighbouring countries such as Sierra Leone and Liberia. The total number of recorded human case since the recent outbreak in March is said to be about 1323 and the death toll is 729. Nigeria has recorded just one death so far.
It is essential to note that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company in case you may need medical care while in Nigeria. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement.Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by transfer.
As a tourist, it is essential to take certain precautions for the period of your stay. It goes without saying that you should remain alert, observe people around you, and put in practice the same safety measures you would in any big city. There are however a few extra points unique to Nigeria that are worth paying heed to:
Most of Africa is high risk for malaria and as such you must plan your malaria protection in advance. Malaria is rife in Nigeria and as such a huge concern to health authorities. Anti-malaria prophylaxes such as Larium or Malaron – the two most popular drugs – are recommended for travellers. Visit the doctor immediately if feeling the least bit flu-ish as malaria is easy to treat if detected early.
You are advised to get inoculation shots for tetanus, diphtheria, measles, hepatitis A and B, and possibly typhoid, meningitis and rubella.
That said, there are other issues, so if you are travelling to Nigeria while pregnant, seek expert advice before departure.