5 Things Ebola Outbreak Has Taught Nigerians

Nigerians were introduced to the Ebola disease when it was brought into the country in July by infected Liberian- American, Patrick Sawyer.

Since then 19 citizens have been infected and 7 of that number have lost their lives to the disease.

The disease has been contained and there are no confirmed cases left in the country but the outbreak has taught citizens of Nigeria some valuable lessons. 

Here are 5 of them:

1.    Hand sanitizers are essential: Before the Ebola outbreak, very few Nigerians used hand sanitizers. However, when the disease was brought into the country, sanitizers became an item of choice and were even scarce. Despite the fact that sanitizers can’t really prevent Ebola, they get rid of bacteria which can be picked up from various sources in our everyday lives and through this prevent unnecessary infections.

2.    Proper Hygiene is key: Proper hygiene is one of the ways to avoid being infected with any disease, including Ebola. Getting rid of waste properly, washing all used items thoroughly and hand washing are very important in disease prevention.

3.    Early detection means better chances of survival: This is true with any disease or ailment; the sooner a condition is discovered, the sooner it can be treated and eliminated. Letting a disease get established in the body before seeking treatment is one of the reasons why people lose their lives.

4.    Knowledge is power: The best way to tackle a situation is to get as much information as you can about it. Knowing all there is to know about Ebola will reduce the chances of getting infected.

5.    Health workers are heroes: The staff of First Consultant Medical Center in Obalende, Lagos risked their lives to ensure that Patrick Sawyer didn’t leave their premises with the disease. Dr. Adadevoh and her team are credited with saving the lives of Nigerians by not letting the outbreak become worse than it was. This has showed us that medical staff, treating Ebola or not, risk their lives to ensure the welfare of others and so they are heroes.