Please, do not deceive the Public by peddling unsubstantiated claims! Folks, lies and rumor mongering remain one of the issues faced by authorities during perceived crisis period like the case of the Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever that is ravaging some West African countries at the moment. In the last 24 hours, the social media and the main stream media have been awash with posts and comments from persons and even organizations claiming to posses or have the cure to Ebola fever. The latest version is the post all over Facebook that Bitter Kola has been known to cure the dreaded Ebola virus. This kind of information may instill false hope and confidence on people and will make them not to adopt the very much advocated prevention strategies. What is the truth about Bitter Kola and Ebola Virus? In 1999, Professor. Maurice Iwu presented a paper on a research conducted on Garcia (bitter kola) in a scientific conference. The study showed that bitter kola showed some anti inflammatory and antiviral properties. The study did not go beyond mid level animal trial and never came close to a human trial. In other words, there is no scientific evidence to the claim that Bitter kola can kill the Ebola virus. On the other hand, some traditionalist have claimed to possess herbs that can cure the virus. Common sense can tell us that you cannot cure a disease you do not know. These traditionalists have not isolated the virus and thus cannot claim to be able to cure it. The only way remains to adopt and practice the prescribed preventive measures: avoid over crowded areas, avoid contact with persons with suspected symptoms, avoid consumption of sick animals including birds, wash your hands regularly with soap and water, cook all food properly. Please be wise!
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 22:52:41 +0000