American peace activist Jane Addams once said, ‘Service to humanity is the best work of life.’ This profound truth can be seen among courageous healthcare professionals who risk everything to save the lives of others. Such was the story of Dr. Stella Adadevoh, a physician whose quick action helped in preventing the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in Nigeria. SONIA OKERE joins other Nigerians to celebrate the anniversary of her untimely death
The incidence of the Ebola virus in West Africa
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Ebola virus was first identified in 1976 during its simultaneous outbreaks in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire). It was named after the Ebola River, which is near the area of the initial outbreak, and WHO also reported that Ebola is caused by a virus from the Filoviridae family, which also includes the Marburg virus.
Many years after its initial identification, the WHO reported a significant outbreak in West Africa from 2013 to 2016. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak began in December 2013 in Guinea, with the first case being a two-year-old boy who died on December 6, 2013. From this initial case, the virus spread rapidly due to the weak healthcare systems and traditional burial practices in those regions.
By March 2014, the CDC reported that the outbreak had extended into Liberia, while Sierra Leone saw its index case in May 2014. The epidemic ultimately resulted in 28,616 reported cases and 11,310 deaths, as recorded by WHO.
How Ebola virus came to Nigeria
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported that the Ebola virus reached Nigeria in July 2014. The first case was Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian-American diplomat who arrived in Lagos on July 20, 2014. Sawyer was en route to Calabar for a conference but collapsed upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. He was immediately taken to First Consultants Medical Centre.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Dr. Stella Adadevoh, the lead consultant, evaluated Sawyer and quickly suspected Ebola virus disease (EVD) due to his symptoms and recent travel history to Liberia. Although initial tests were inconclusive, Adadevoh commenced treatment and unwittingly exposing herself and her staff to the virus! By the time subsequent tests confirmed that the patient was Ebola positive, the deed had been done.
Reports said Sawyer had attempted to leave the hospital, but Adadevoh, recognising the grievous risk he posed to the populace, prevented him. In the end, Adadevoh and six other healthcare workers at First Consultants Medical Centre contracted the virus.
The death of a heroine
According to a statement by former Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, the Ebola infection resulted in 20 confirmed cases and eight deaths in Nigeria. Among these were the index patient, Patrick Sawyer, and Dr. Stella Adadevoh, who caught the virus in the line of duty!
After Dr. Adadevoh contracted the Ebola virus, she was quarantined. Despite receiving treatment, her condition deteriorated, and she passed away on August 19, 2014 at the age of 57. In addition to Dr. Adadevoh, four other healthcare workers also contracted and died from the Ebola virus, as reported by the Health Minister. Their sacrifice highlights the severe risks faced by healthcare professionals during such crises.
A legacy of bravery
Due to the selfless sacrifice of Dr. Adadevoh and other stakeholders in preventing the spread of the deadly virus, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Nigeria Ebola-free in October 2014. That was after two incubation periods without new cases. And although Adadevoh lost her life while serving, her story has become a symbol of extraordinary courage and dedication.
Over the years, she has been honoured with numerous awards and tributes, and her legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the incredible sacrifices made by those who continue to serve in the face of grave danger.
