Two persons reported dead after drinking salt water in Jos

Twopeople died today in Jos, the Plateau State capital after allegedly taking salt in warm water and bathing with same to prevent the dreaded Ebola virus disease. The deceased whose identities could not be ascertained at the time of this report were said to be hypertension patients. A resident who worships in the same church with one of the deceased, Atang Itse said he does not know “much about the woman but she worships at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Hwolshe” 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 “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.