The first Ebola-related death in Port Harcourt was reported on Thursday. The development has since led to a widespread panic and has dashed the hopes of many Nigerians who had earlier believed that the Ebola outbreak in the country had to a reasonable level been contained.
The incident has been confirmed by the Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu and the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
We therefore bring you seven facts you need to know about the situation:
1. The first victim who died is a doctor identified as Iyke Enemuo. He died at the Good Heart Hospital in Port Harcourt on Friday, August 22, 2014
2. He was infected with the disease by an ECOWAS diplomat whom he treated secretly in a hotel
3. The ECOWAS diplomat was infected after he came in contact with Liberian American, Patrick Sawyer, the index case.
4. The unidentified diplomat escaped quarantine and travelled to Port Harcourt