MERS: RSG Raises Alert, Calls For Proper Check-Up

Following the emergence
of yet another deadly disease called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), patients with unusual respiratory disorder have been advised to report to the nearest health facility for proper check-up.
The Director, Public Health, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Nnanna . O. Nyekwere gave the advice during an exclusive interview with The Tide in his office in Port Harcourt, recently.
Nyekwere who noted that there had been no reported case of the MERS disease in Nigeria and Rivers State yet, said however, that the report was necessary in order to checkmate and/or avert contraction and possible spread.
Revealing that the MERS had its origin traced to the Middle East particularly Saudi Arabia, Nyekwere said the case has been reported in Korea, stating that with the intense traveling habits of  Nigerians, there is the need for vigilance on such unusual respiratory disorders.
“Nigerians travel a lot and who knows. It is important especially to a travelling Nigerian who comes back with any of such symptoms to report to the nearest health facility and give a history of travel”, Nyekwere said.
The director further revealed that the ministry had been into sensitisation and campaigns in the health sector to encourage health   personnel to look out for such symptoms as well as asking relevant questions to aid the fight against MERS in this part of the world.

Lady Godknows Ogbulu