Mystery disease kills at least 18 in Nigeria

[Lyra500]

No Ebola or other viruses identified in samples.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-32365830

Whatever it is appears to attack the central nervous system.

The disease - characterised by blurred vision, headache and loss of consciousness - killed the victims within 24 hours of falling ill.

WHO officials are in the area to investigate.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health has released a statement outlining what looks like a very impressive management plan for the outbreak organised around five different 'task teams'.

http://outbreaknewstoday.com/nigeria-ondo-state-mystery-illness-statement-released-59550/

So the work will revolve around:

1. Contact tracing - to try and find anyone who might have been exposed
2. Case management - trying to find the best way to treat victims
3. forensic and lab work to identify the causative agent
4. Public education - to get messages out to communities and minimise ongoing risk
5. Electronic and social media management - to get updates and information out in a timely fashion and ensure the population are not subject to rumours and inaccuracies resulting in panic.

I wonder if this is why Nigeria managed to nip their Ebola outbreak in the bud so effectively.

I really hope they manage to identify the cause swiftly.