Nigeria confirms two more Ebola cases, nine in total – Canada tests man for Ebola

August 2014 – AFRICA – Nigeria on Friday (Aug 8) confirmed two new cases of Ebola, bringing the total number of infections in Africa’s most populous country to nine, including two deaths. “We have an additional two confirmed cases. So the total now, we have nine confirmed cases (including two deaths). The same two we told you about: the index case and the health worker,” Health Minister Onyebuchi Chukwu told journalists. President Goodluck Jonathan earlier Friday declared a national emergency over the deadly virus. Nigeria currently has six suspected cases that are under investigation and a total of 139 people have been placed under surveillance, the minister said during a visit to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital of more than 20 million people. “As we talk, we do have six suspected cases currently under investigation…Now altogether, all those we have placed under surveillance stand at 139,” he added. An American-Liberian, who flew into the country from Monrovia, and a Nigerian nurse are the two people who have died of Ebola virus in Lagos in the last two weeks. The minister said that the government had approved life insurance policy for all those taking care of Ebola virus patients and involved in contact-tracing.

The president earlier called on the population to avoid large gatherings in order to prevent the spread of the virus. “Religious and political groups, spiritual healing centers, families, associations and other bodies should … discourage gatherings and activities that may unwittingly promote close contact with infected persons or place others at risk,” said a statement issued by the presidency. Jonathan also approved the immediate release of 1.9 billion naira (US$11.6 million, 8.7 million euros) to fund measures against the spread of the virus. Measures to be taken include the setting up of additional isolation centers, screening at borders and contact-tracing. In addition, the president warned against any movement of corpses to other parts of the country as well as spreading false information about the virus. World Health Organization chief Margaret Chan said in Geneva on Friday (Aug 8) that the epidemic in west Africa which has killed nearly 1,000 people in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria was the worst of its kind in four decades. –Chanel News Asia

Canada testing man for Ebola: A Brampton hospital is taking precautionary measures after a patient who recently travelled to Canada from Nigeria came down with a fever and other flu-like symptoms. The patient arrived at the emergency department at William Osler Health System’s Brampton Civic Hospital earlier today. “Osler sees and treats several patients a week with similar symptoms because of its proximity to the airport and over the last week, has put in heightened infection control protocols as a precautionary measure due to the emerging situation in West Africa,” the spokesperson said. West Africa is currently dealing with an Ebola outbreak. “Osler medical experts are working closely with Peel Public Health to confirm a diagnosis,” the hospital said. -680 News