CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
In early July2014Nigeria recorded the first case of the dreaded Ebola virus disease in the country. The outbreak of the highly contagious disease was brought into the country by a Liberian American named Patrick Sawyer. Since Sawyer was diagnosed with the dreaded virus and subsequently died as a result of the disease, efforts have been mobilized to contain the spread of the virus in Nigeria. The Ebola virus, which was named after the Ebola River in Zaire, first appeared in Sudan and Zaire in 1976. The first outbreak was named Sudan Ebola virus and infected over284 people, killing 53% of its victims. Within a few months, another strain appeared infecting another 318 people. This particular strain called Zaire Ebola virus had the highest mortality rate of88%. At the point, researchers did not identify where the Ebola virus originated. The third strain of the Ebola virus known as Reston Ebola was identified in 1989 when infected monkeys were imported to Reston, Virginia from the Philippines. The virus infected some, but the patients did not develop Ebola Hemorrhagic fever. The fourth infection of the Ebola virus occurred in 1994 when a female ethnologist was performing a necropsy on a dead chimpanzee. The chimpanzee came from the Tai Forest; the ethnologist accidentally infected herself while performing the necropsy. According to media reports, Ebola has kill more than seven thousand three hundred people, mostly in Liberia, Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone respectively were the disease has assumed an epidemic proportion (Thisday, 2014 p.7). Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the disease, which is causing panic globally (Watennan, 1999). The Nigerian government responded as quickly as possible when the outbreak of the virus was discovered. The Federal Government provided funds to mitigate the spread of the disease. The Federal Ministry of Health in conjunction with States Government swung into action to ensure that people were adequately provided information about the virus. As a proactive step to stem the tide of Ebola, Federal Government announced that primary and secondary schools in the country would resume on October 13, for the 2014/2015 academic session. The date was later reviewed and a new resumption date of September 22, 2014 was announced. This was epitomized by government preparedness to put adequate and effective measures on ground to contain the virus. The social media equally carried massive enlightenment campaign to educate Nigerians on the dreaded effect of the virus. As a result of government proactive efforts in curbing the dreaded monster, the World Health Organization declared Nigeria Ebola free on October 20 2014. Also. Liberia was subsequently announced to be Ebola free(Nwanne.2014p. 34-35). Ebola virus may be acquired upon contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected animal. Bats are also potential carrier of the virus and they may also spread the virus without being infected. 1he disease has a high risk of death, killing between 50% and 90% of those infected with the virus (Sullivan, 2014). Since the outbreak of the disease in early July 2014, there have been frantic efforts by the government, Non-governmental organizations and other spirited individuals to stem the tide of the virus. In a bit to further contain the spread of the disease to other parts of the country, the federal government in collaboration with the ministry of health embark on massive enlightenment campaign to educate the public on the deadly disease. In discharging surveillance function, the social media were at the centre of the campaign to ensure that the public are furnished with adequate information on the Ebola virus disease. Acknowledging the surveillance function of the social media in the society, Josephat (2008) observes that the surveillance role of the social media presupposes that the media are the eyes and ears of the public. The media provide vital information and alert members of the public about the happenings of events in and around them. The media consistently survey the environment and convey salient or mediated messages to the audience in order to reduce uncertainties and consequently react to conflict or change in a rational way. It is base on this essential function place on the social media that this study seeks to appraise the campaign efforts of the social media in curbing the Ebola virus disease students of unilag, Nigeria.
1.2. STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL PROBLEM
The menace of Ebola in most West African countries including Nigeria has led to the loss of many lives and has prevented meaningful investment as a result of apprehension on the part of investors. The health sector was also stretched beyond limit as a result of this virus as the struggled to curb this virus from spreading.
1.3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The major aim of this study is to examine the role of social media in curbing the spread of Ebola virus. Other objectives of the study include;
1. To examine the level of the spread of Ebola virus in Nigeria.
2. To assess the role of government on curbing this virus.
3. To examine the effectiveness of social media in curbing the virus in Nigeria.
4. To assess the damage caused by Ebola virus in Nigeria.
1.4. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What is the level of the spread of Ebola virus in Nigeria?
2. What is the role of government on curbing this virus?
3. What is the effectiveness of social media in curbing the virus in Nigeria?
4. What is the level of the damage caused by Ebola virus in Nigeria?
1.5. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
1.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study would be of immense importance to government and all related stakeholders as it would unveil ways of curbing Ebola virus in Nigeria. The study would also benefit students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing a further study on the subject matter.
1.7. SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study is restricted to the role of the social media in curbing the spread of Ebola virus using students of the University of Lagos as the case study.
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
Can't find what you are looking for? Hire A Researchproject Writer To Work On Your Topic or Call 0806-703-7559.
Proceed to Hire a Writer »