The protocol officer, Mr. Jatto Asihu Abdulqudir, who picked up the index case, Patrick Sawyer, from the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, has died from the deadly Ebola virus, bringing the total number of deaths in Nigeria to three.
A nurse who treated Sawyer, the Liberian national who flew into Lagos with the virus, also died of the virus last week.
The death of Abdulqudir was announced by ECOWAS Commission, where he is a member of staff of its Lagos Liaison Office.
36-year-old Abdulqudir had been under quarantine following the death of Sawyer.
ECOWAS in their statement said: “The Commission wishes to use this opportunity to express its 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.
“Management has also intensified awareness campaign among staff on the deadly virus and uses this opportunity to invoke the spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance.
“The Commission wishes to reassure staff of all Community Institutions all over the entire region that it is 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.
“On the directive of regional leaders, ECOWAS has already set up a Solidarity Fund to fight the disease and has solicited the support contribution of Member States and development partners to the Fund to rid the region of the virus.
“The ECOWAS Commission wishes to reiterate its continued commitment to support Member States in confronting this deadly virus.”
