Ebola Kills ECOWAS Staff in Lagos, Death Toll Now Three

Ebola Kills ECOWAS Staff in Lagos, Death Toll Now Three

jatoThe deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has claimed another life in Lagos, this time, it is a staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This has brought to three the number of persons that have died of the deadly Ebola in Lagos, Nigeria.

ECOWAS on Tuesday announced the death of the staff, Jatto Abdulqudir, 36, a staff member of its Lagos Liaison Office.

The commission said Abdulqudir, a Protocol Assistant,  and graduate of Kaduna Polytechnic was among those who assisted the Liberian delegate to a regional meeting, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, who died from the Ebola Virus Disease at a Lagos hospital on 25th July 2014.

A statement from ECOWAS said Abdulqudir had been under quarantine following that sad incident, while expressing gratitude to Nigerian government authorities and others who contributed to managing the late official while under quarantine.

“The Management of the Commission wishes to commiserate with Mr. Abdulqudir’s family and colleagues and prays for the repose of his soul. Before this sad event, the Commission working in collaboration with Nigerian health authorities, had disinfected all the facilities of the ECOWAS Lagos Liaison Office as part of precautionary measures to safeguard the health, safety and security of staff members, and will continue to monitor the situation,” the statement said.

The body added that it had intensified awareness campaign among staff on the deadly virus and used the opportunity to invoke the spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance, while reassuring staff of all Community Institutions all over the entire region that it was taking all necessary steps to guarantee their health and safety.

“Furthermore, Management enjoins all staff members and community citizens in general to intensify the observance of personal hygiene. They should also report any suspected case to health facilities and seek medical advice or attention for the effective containment and defeat of the Ebola disease.