Ebola scare: Officials ban wake keeping

Administrative, health and security officials have been put on the alert as surveillance heightens against any case of the deadly Ebola Virus in the country.

Though no case has been recorded this far, medics say the presence of the disease in neighbouring Nigeria puts Cameroon very much at risk. Meeting in Buea, August 19, the South West Regional Committee for the prevention and fight against epidemics discussed ways through which Ebola can be alienated to remain outside of Cameroon’s borders.

It was in this respect that South West Governor, Okalia Bilai Bernard (OBB) disclosed that the borders with neighbouring Nigeria that has confirmed Ebola cases will remain closed until further notice.

He also instructed that measures be taken to ensure that corpses are handled under very strict hygienic conditions and that wake keeping with corpses should be stopped.

“At the moment, we have not yet registered any case of Ebola disease in our country. For us to be protected, all movements of persons and goods at the borders with neighbouring Nigeria are suspended,” he said.

Noting that Ebola is very deadly, the Governor said, “The entire public is informed that Ebola, for the moment, has no treatment, and so we should follow and respect recommendations from medical officials who will be moving around with other stakeholders to sensitise the population to avoid eating bush meat and fruits partially eaten by bats. We should wash our hands regularly with clean water and soap. All cases of fever and headache should be reported to the health centres and hospitals.”

The Governor went on, “We should be vigilant to report all cases of headache, fever to medical officials. Those are the recommendations from the Ministry of Public Health. It is not a joke. Ebola is a public danger. Ebola should not enter our country.”

The governor instructed local administrative officials to ban wakes with corpses and the habit were members of the public break hygiene standards in handling corpses.

“Wake keepings with corpse have been suspended. All coffins should be sealed with zinc. The period of tolerance is over and officials will be in the field to ensure that these measures are respected.” The Governor said.