Lagos Government Warns Churches And Mosques Over Ebola

LAGOS State government has advised churches, mosques and other religious organisations to suspend all activities that involve large gatherings of people, until the Ebola outbreak is brought under control.

(pics) GOVERNORS in South-West states, on Wednesday, met in Lagos, to hold an emergency meeting over concerted efforts to be deployed in containing the Ebola virus disease in the states.This came as the Lagos State government confirmed the death of one of the nurses who had first degree contact with the dead Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, who died of Ebola virus disease in Lagos.

Speaking to journalists at the daily briefing on the Ebola outbreak at the State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, the state Commissioner for Health, Jide Idris, said the move would help prevent the spread of the disease that had, so far, killed two people in the country.

Describing the situation as dire, Idris asked health workers to come out and volunteer to help treat those already admitted.

Idris also advised family members to be mindful of burial rites, where family members had direct contact with suspects who died from the virus.

“Burial ceremonies where mourners, including family members, have direct contact with patients who died of Ebola have also played a role in the spread of the virus.

“Direct contact with dead bodies should be minimised at this period, even as washing and burial or disposal of such bodies should be professionally handled,” he added.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, has described the Ebola outbreak as “a natural emergency,” saying “everyone in the world today is at risk.”

The minister stated this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Health, led by Honourable Ndudi Elumelu.

He said the government would ensure necessary things were done to curb the spread of the disease in the country.Tribune