2 Dead,20 hospitalised Preventing Ebola By Drinking and bathing with Salt Water

Two people were found dead today, August 8, in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, after allegedly drinking salt water and warm bath with salt to prevent Ebola infection. And about 20 people were hospitalised in various hospitals in Plateau.

According to the Vangard, the deceased whose identities could not be ascertained at the time of this report were hypertension patients.

A resident who worships in the same St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Hwolshe, with one of the deceased, Atang Itse, confirmed she died "this evening as a result of salt she took in the night when everyone was bathing and drinking salt water."

The source added the other victim was a taxi driver who plied Jos city and neighbouring local government areas.

However, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Elias Pede who is holding forte for the Commissioner, Dr. Fom Dakwak said that "he was not aware of any dead" though he had earlier confirmed to other journalist that "one person died but full details were yet to be received."

A text message asking Nigerians to prevent Ebola attack by drinking salt water and bathing with it went viral in the country this week.

However, Information Minister Labaran Maku and Health Minister Onyebuchi Chukwu have both denied “healing” properties of the brine solution (a mix of large salt quantities and water).

-naij