Epidemiologist Warns On Ebola, Hepatitis

The people of Bonny in
Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State have been advised to maintain healthy environments and habits to combat diseases in the area.
Acting Epidemiologist in Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeoma Nwadiuto who gave the advice said it was imperative at this time of Ebola threat to enlighten the public on how to combat the disease.
Nwadiuto who presented a paper at an event organized in Bonny to mark this year’s World Hepatitis Day (WHD) said the Ebola virus was spread through contact with bodily fluids of infected animals, such as bats and monkeys and humans adding that the disease was characterised by vomiting, internal and external bleeding, diarrhioea and fever.
She advised against consumption of animals popularly called “bush meat” and urged residents to embrace proper and regular handwashing while enjoining everyone to report any suspected illness to the nearest heath facility.
Dr. Victor Abiukor, also of the State Ministry of Health, who presented a paper on the theme for this year’s WHD, Hepatitis: Think Again, stated that Hepatitis was a disease characterised by the swelling of the liver, caused by virus and bacterial infections, toxins, certain drug, and heavy alcohol use.
He disclosed that there are six strains of the virus, A-F, which adversely affect humans and cause global fatalities of 1.4 million yearly.
The speakers said the virus thrive under poor sanitation and unsafe water, and in over crowded places and could be transmitted through body fluids and sexual intercourse and advocated improved sanitary conditions good hand washing practice and immunization to keep Hepatitis B at bay.
In his address, the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee (CTC), Hon. Adonye Wilcox Dappa, stated that the WHD celebration was holding for the first time in Bonny and declared it an annual event.
Dappa noted that the aim of the celebration was to raise awareness and understanding of the disease, which he described as a silent killer and expressed the hope that the awareness campaign would help promote partnership to prevent transmission and promote access to screening, cane and treatment services.
Also speaking, the Supervisor for Health, CTC, BOLGA, Mrs Dabota jumbo, said that in keeping with raising awareness of the disease, the council provides free screening and vaccinations and advised that people should avail themselves the opportunity, to know their health status.

Tonye Nria-Dappa