The deadly nature of the dreaded Ebola Virus has been driven home to Nigerians with the death of the first known victim of the virus in the country.

The man, a 40-year-old Liberian, died barely 24 hours after the Lagos State Government confirmed that he was being investigated and treatment for the disease while a possible 30 others who may have had contact with him were also being closely watched.

A 5pm bulletin by RayPower FM Lagos said the man, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, has died.

News Express had this morning reported the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, as disclosing during a news briefing that the 40 years old Liberian was in a private hospital in the Obalende area of the state. She also disclosed that the hospital had been cordoned off and the victim isolated.

Dr Adeshina warned Lagos residents to “keep personal and environmental hygiene” and urged those who notice “strange feeling or symptoms similar to those of Ebola virus, which ranges from fever, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sore throat and joint pains, which are all symptoms of other ailments, to visit competent health facilities.”

In the absence of such facilities, she said residents should call the following numbers 08023169485, 08033086660, 08033065303, 08055281442, 08055329229.

•Photo courtesy of www.utahpeoplespost.com shows doctors treating an Ebola patient.