LAGOS – Some residents of Lagos on Tuesday said the reported cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country had since changed their lifestyles in the last two months.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that fear of contracting the virus had affected their lifestyles as they had been forced to make necessary adjustments.
NAN recalls that the late Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer, had on July 20 brought the virus to the country.
He died of the virus four days later at a private hospital in Lagos.
In his comment, a businessman, Mr Chucks Ugwaeze, said that the fear of contracting Ebola virus had made him to shun night clubs and his many friends.
He said: “The fear of Ebola is the beginning of wisdom for me. I have stopped gallivanting around. Once I close from work, I head home straight.
“My wife is happier, but my numerous friends are displeased and have been complaining.”
Also, an agent with a travel agency, Mrs Shola Adebiyi, said that fear of the virus had helped her to improve on personal hygiene and instilled intimacy in her marriage.
Adebiyi said: “I have to confess, my hygiene was poor as I bathe just once in a day.
“At times, I feel too lazy to take my bath. I just clean my private part and dab on perfume.
“My husband recently said thank God for this Ebola virus fear, you are now more hygienic.
“Please, shop for lingerie and more perfumes, so that I can have appealing view at home.
“That is why I am out shopping for sexy lingerie and clothes in this shop because my husband now spends more time with me and the kids at home.
“Also, I bathe like twice daily now, even thrice some days, when permitted.
“I also sanitise my home and office regularly. No more laziness as this is a matter of life and death.”
On his part, a contractor, Mr Ayodele Olatunji, said: “I now wear more of long sleeve clothes, especially, if I am entering a public transport.
“This is because some people sweat a lot, and I don’t want their sweats to touch my arms.
“Also, I put a little space between myself and other people when they are talking to avoid saliva from their mouths.
“Moreso, I seize every opportunity now to wash my hands as I always carry a sanitiser and a liquid soap in my shoulder bag.”
A teacher, Mrs Deborah Awosika, said that adequate sensitisation, hygiene and knowledge about containing the virus would help to minimise the risk of contracting it.
Awosika said: “At the discovery of the Ebola virus in Lagos, I panicked and almost wreak havoc to the health of my family. [eap_ad_2] “I diluted our bathing water with much disinfectant to such extent that my husband screamed in pain, `if Ebola does not kill me, my wife will’.
“Now, I know better. I read more and stay informed about how to safeguard myself and family members.”
Also, a five-year-old boy, David Martins, expressed disapproval at the restriction of his movement and activities by his parents because of Ebola virus.
“Mummy has been behaving funny since we came back from Paris.
“She spanked me when I touched someone at the airport, she does not allow me to go to the park to play again, and she always pours sanitiser on my hands.”
A trader, Mrs Christianah Chukwu, when contacted, started praying and speaking in tongues when asked about the precautionary measures she had taken to guard against contracting the virus.
She exclaimed: “Holy Ghost fire! Ebola will not come near me. It is a plague for the unbelievers.”
A civil servant, Mrs Justina Ezeogu, said: “I have cold recently, but out of fear, I didn’t go to the hospital.
“So, when one complains of cold and fever, they will start suspecting Ebola virus.
“I don’t blame them because everyone is trying to be careful.” (NAN)[eap_ad_3]
