No fewer than two persons have been reported dead while 20 others hospitalized in different hospitals in Plateau State after consuming large amounts of salt and bitter kola to prevent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
According to a source in Shendam, two people were rushed to the hospital by their family members after they collapsed in the morning as a result of large intake of salt on Friday, August 8, 2014.
The victims were confirmed dead by the doctor after test results came back positive for high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, other patients who showed symptoms such as ulcer, and stooling profusely due to the high level of salt in their system are presently receiving treatment at various hospitals in Jos.
NAN – Hot water, salt can’t cure Ebola FG warns
In Abuja the Federal Government advised Nigerians to disregard the text message and postings on social media that hot water and salt may be used to prevent Ebola infection and cure infected persons.
The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, said in a statement in Abuja on Friday that the people should disregard such rumours as cure had yet to be found for the disease.
The message reads: “Please ensure that you and your family and all your neighbours bath with hot water and salt before daybreak today because of Ebola virus which is spreading through the air.’’
Maku said the information being circulated to Nigerians about the cure for the disease was false and should not be taken seriously.
“Nigerians have been urged to disregard rumours being circulated in the social media that bathing with hot water and salt cures the Ebola disease.
“There is no cure yet for the Ebola disease, what is being circulated is only a rumour that will only mislead Nigerians,’’ he said.
The minister said Nigerians had already been informed on the necessary steps to adopt to avoid the spread of the virus and would be duly informed on additional measures when necessary.
He urged the people to continue to maintain maximum environmental and personal hygiene to guard against contracting the virus.
The federal and state governments have been on the alert on the control of a possible spread of the virus and the number of infected persons rises in Lagos.
The government had also dismissed claims that bitter kola could be used to cure the disease or prevent people from contracting the disease.
