CALABAR

Posted by Links and Tours

Calabar (also referred to as 'Canaan City') is a city in Cross River State, coastal southeastern Nigeria. The original name for Calabar was Akwa Akpa, from the Efik language The city is watered by the Calabar and Great Kwa Rivers and creeks of the Cross River (from its inland delta).

Calabar is the capital of Cross River State. For the purpose of administration, the city is divided into Calabar Municipal and Calabar South LGAs. It has an area of 406 km² and a population of 371,022 at the 2006 census.

History

 Akwa Akpa

The original town was known as Akwa Akpa from the Efik words Akwa and Akpa.The spelling Calabar remained till the British came and pronounced Calabar as Calabah. The neighboring town of Ataba took over the name and its Efik /Qua/Efut/Biase/Akampkpa indigenes became known as Calabar pronounced Calabah till this day. Calabar is a large metropolis today with several towns like Akim, Ikot Ansa, Ikot Ishie, Kasuk, Duke Town, Henshaw Town, Ikot Omin, Obutong, Bakassi, Biase, Akamkpa, etc.

Seaport city

As far back as the 16th century, Calabar had been a recognized international sea port, shipping out goods such as palm oil. During the era of the Atlantic slave trade It subsequently became a major port in the transportation of African slaves. Most slave ships that transported slaves from Calabar were English, at around 85% of these ships being from Bristol and Liverpool merchants. Old Calabar (Duke Town) and Creek Town, 10 miles northeast, were crucial towns in the trade of slaves in that era.^[1] The first British warship to sail as far as Duke Town, where she captured seven Spanish and Portuguese slavers, may have been HMS Comus in 1815.

The main ethnic group taken out of Calabar as slaves were the Igbo, from the neighboring Igbo land. African-American writer and slave John Jea was from the area. There was also a small Mulatto community of merchants with links to missionary and other merchant colonies in Igboland and Lagos, and across the Atlantic. Some discussions continue to swirl around that the royal descendants from Duke town, the modern day Lennox" and Lenox flew to Egypt, Britain colonies and America when the dispute for the royal seat resulted in the death of several of their family members. 

The Lennox and Lenox families have remained very quiet about their ancestors' tragedies and decision to flee, although some would return to visit, they never really made it home again. One of the great-grand children in America, once commented that some secrets are meant to rest with the dead.

Tourist Center in Calabar

Cross River National Park, Cross River State

Cross River National Park is one of top Nigeria’s eco-tourism destinations where tropical rain forest rare animals and birds can be observed in their natural habitat.

Tinapa Business & Leisure Resort

Tinapa is a business and leisure resort conceptualised to be an integrated business resort and it’s located by the Calabar River. It is the first integrated business and leisure resort in Nigeria. 

Obudu Mountain Resort, Cross River State

Obudu Mountain Resort is located in the highlands of Cross River State, only 45 miles from the border with Cameroon. It possesses a temperate climate due to its high altitude.

Agbokim Waterfalls, Cross River State

Located some 17 kilometers from Ikom and about 315 kilometers from Calabar, Agbokim Waterfalls is not far from the Nigeria-Cameroon border. The fall consists of seven streams, each cascading over steep cliff which provides seven-faced falls.

First Nigerian capital city

The city once served as the seat of Government of the Niger Coast Protectorate, Southern Protectorate and Oil River Protectorate. It is thus effectively the first Nigerian capital city.

Govt starts body temperature screening for Ebola at int’l airports

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said on Thursday it had started temperature screening passengers arriving from places at risk from Ebola and had suspended pan-African airline Asky for bringing the first case to Lagos.

Ebola has been blamed for 729 deaths in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, according to the World Health Organization. One died in Lagos, a crowded city of 21 million people with some of Africa’s worst sanitation and health care.

“Screening and monitoring is being done at all major international airports. It entails checking passengers’ temperatures with a hand-held machine,” NCAA spokesman Sam Adurogboye said, adding this meant for any journey that passed through Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone.

A compulsory blood test would follow if the passenger’s temperature gave cause for concern, he said.

International airlines association IATA said the WHO was not recommending any travel restrictions or border closures due to the outbreak, and says there would be a low risk to other passengers if an Ebola patient flew.

Patrick Sawyer, a consultant for Liberia’s Finance Ministry in his 40s, collapsed on arrival at Lagos airport on July 20 on an Asky flight. He was put in isolation at the First Consultants Hospital in Obalende, one of the most crowded parts of the city, but died early on July 25.

“We have suspended Asky until they are able to show us what measures they have put in place for passengers to ensure they do not bring Ebola,” Adurogboye said.

He said the largest Airline Arik Air was being told to maintain its self-imposed suspension of all flights to Liberia and Sierra Leone for the time being.

Authorities were monitoring 59 people who were in contact with Sawyer, including airport contacts, and are seeking to make contact with all passengers that were on his flight.

The latest outbreak of the hemorrhagic fever began in the forests of remote eastern Guinea in February. It starts with headaches and fever, and final stage symptoms include external and internal bleeding, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Sierra Leone declared a state of emergency and called in troops to quarantine epicentres of Ebola on Thursday.

Cabin crew refuse to fly to Lagos, others

Some Air France flight officials are refusing to board planes bound for Guinea, Sierra-Leone and Nigeria over fears of the Ebola outbreak.

Cabin crew scheduled to work on some flights “have not wanted to carry out their assignment”, a spokesman for the company told AFP.

Air France serves more West Africa destinations than any other major carrier. It has given its staff freedom to choose whether or not they want to fly to Conakry, Freetown and Lagos after British Airways and Emirates suspended flights to the region.

Air France operates daily flights to Guinea and Nigeria and a service three times a week to Sierra Leone.

Ebola has killed 1,229 people so far this year in west Africa, the worst outbreak ever of the virus.

On Monday, one Air France union, SNGAF, launched a petition calling for the “immediate end to flights to countries hit by the Ebola virus.”

“We know that our jobs put us at risk, but they are measured risks. This is completely out of control and the information is not the same from one day to the next,” said Sophie Gorins, the secretary-general of the SNPNC, which represents cabin crew.

She said that hygiene measures implemented so far were “stop-gap” and that crew had “no idea if we are carrying a victim or if we ourselves are carriers of the virus.”

Flight crews for Air France can request to be withdrawn from a scheduled flight if they believe their health or life is in “grave and imminent danger,” with the team then usually replaced by a reserve team.

 

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South Africa issues travel ban on Kenya, Liberia, others

The South African government has issued a travel ban for non-South Africans from Ebola infested countries, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said on Thursday.

South Africa has so far been Ebola-free despite two scares in as many weeks: a South African man returning from Liberia and a Guinean woman, both tested negative.

“A total travel ban for all non-citizens travelling from these high-risk countries [Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone], unless the travel is considered absolutely essential,” he told reporters in Pretoria.

“For citizens of South Africa who wish to travel to these countries, they will be requested to delay their travel unless it is absolutely essential for them to travel.”

He said South Africans coming from such West African countries would be subjected to a strict screening process, and medically examined if need be.

They would have to complete a comprehensive health questionnaire before being granted entry into the country.

“If the comprehensive medical and the temperature screening reveal something, they will have to subject themselves to a complete medical examination.”

For people from medium- and low-risk countries, including Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia, the normal surveillance processes would continue.

The death toll in the latest outbreak of Ebola in West Africa already exceeds 1 350 and is expected to rise.

Several airlines have cancelled flights to and from the affected countries.

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Where to go on holiday in October

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Lederhosen and lager are order of the day at Oktoberfest
kzenon / Thinkstock

Whether you’re looking to eke out the summer on a sizzling beach or drink your own body weight in German beer, we’ve got your October getaway covered.

For beach bums...
Short haul: Malta
October is the perfect time to visit Malta. Not only is summer still in full swing, but, with the school holidays over, you won’t be jostling for space on its golden beaches.
Aside from sultry temperatures, sandy shores and historic port cities, the archipelago offers some of the finest waters in the Mediterranean in which to go swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving.
Visit Malta in October and you may also catch the famous Valletta Grand Prix, a glamorous classic car race which captures the golden age of motor racing and features live music, period costume and street food.

October is a great time to bask on Sri Lanka's palm-fringed beaches
toxaww / Thinkstock

Long haul: Sri Lanka
High season temperatures and low season prices combine to make Sri Lanka a prime destination for an October sojourn.
Described by Marco Polo as the ‘Pear of the Indian Ocean,’ this teardrop-shaped island off the southern tip of India is surrounded by palm-fringed beaches and limpid tropical waters.
Back on the radar after a bitter civil war (1983-2009), pint-sized Sri Lanka is not just about beaches; coral reefs, verdant tea plantations, Buddhist temples, national parks and the island's iconic stilt fishermen are welcome distractions from the sweltering sands.

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For city slickers...
Short haul: Munich, Germany

Misleading from its name, Oktoberfest starts at the end of September and continues until the beginning of October. The world’s largest fair, Oktoberfest attracts lager lovers from around the world, who unite to chug beer, quaff German food and, perhaps inadvisably, jump on hair-raising fairground rides.
Parades and performances also happen throughout the two-week event. Though the festival is based heavily around the alcohol, rides and events for children help make the event family-friendly.
Long haul: Mumbai, India

October is a month of festivals in Mumbai
Chidanand M / Thinkstock

An exciting time to visit Mumbai, is October, when this frenetic city plays host to two major festivals. The Mumbai International Film Festival (14-21 October) kicks off proceedings, presenting everything from India cinema to international documentaries.
This is followed by Diwali (Octover 23), the ‘festival of light,’ a vibrant gala which can last for up to five days. Residents put on a spectacular show, adorning their city with lamps, candles and flowers. Epic firework displays add to the sense of occasion.
Aside from the festivities, India’s largest city offers grand colonial architecture, stunning restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. If this mega metropolis gets too much, escape to one of the peaceful parks, hindu temples or world class museums.

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For thrillseekers...
Short haul: Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve might be better known as a destination for badly dressed golfers and ageing second homers, but Portugal’s southernmost region is also home to a growing number of adventure companies offering anything from skydiving to blowkarting (wind powered karts, in case you wondered).
The masses have largely disappeared from the Algarve by October, which means prices are lower, but temperatures remain buoyant. A prime time for experiencing the local adventure activities which include horse riding, off-road driving, paragliding, microlighting and dolphin watching from a seaplane.
Long haul: Salem, USA

A menacing effigy hangs in the spooky streets of Salem
Creative Commons / Christine Zenico

Salem, Massachusetts is not a place for the faint-hearted in October. Home of the infamous Salem witch trials, this city is purported to be one of the spookiest places on Earth – perfect for a Halloween getaway.
Salem Haunted Happenings is a month long festival that celebrates Halloween. There are parades and events for all ages, including haunted tours, a carnival, and even a mock witch trial.
Food and fancy dress add to the sense of occasion, while local attractions such as the Salem Witch Museum get into the spirit of things by opening late. Be sure to visit the House of Seven Gables, a spooky residence made famous by the author Nathaniel Hawthorne.

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Top 20 wonders of the underwater world

Posted by Links and Tours Ltd

1) Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef, is under threat from a recently approved coal port and may be downgraded by UNESCO as an endangered World Heritage Site.


But for now this 1,400m (2,300km) reef, which can be seen from outer
space, remains one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Its
kaleidoscopic coral shelves are home to an abundance of marine life
including turtles, sharks and more than 1,500 species of fish.

An orange-lined triggerfish surveys the Great Barrier Reef
treetstreet / Thinkstock

2) Underwater Sculpture Park, Grenada


Imbued with beautiful beryl blues, Grenada’s dazzling west coast
becomes all the more spectacular when you dip below the waves and
discover its sunken art museum.


The Underwater Sculpture Park, featuring installations by Jason
deCaires Taylor and Troy Lewis, is located on the seabed and is the
first of its kind. Man on a Bike, a life-size gent cycling along a reef,
and Ring of Children, a circle of kids holding hands, are among the
inspiring artworks that double up as a substrate for marine life.

Ring of Children is just one of a host of seabed sculptures
Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park

3) Underwater Museum, Mexico

When hurricanes and tropical storms destroyed reefs in Cancun,
Mexico, authorities floated the idea of submerging 500 life-size
sculptures onto the seabed to give marine life something to live upon.

In dived British artist, Jason deCaires Taylor, who created an incredible set of statues
that range from sunken cars and small houses to bankers burying their
heads in the sand. Spread over two sites, both can be reached by
snorkelers.

The Underwater Museum doubles up as a substrate
Creative Commons / 2il org

4) Belize Barrier Reef, Belize

Charles Darwin described it as “the most remarkable reef in the West
Indies,” a statement that still rings true today. Forming part of the
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, this underwater World Heritage Site is home
to a cornucopia of marine life, including 500 species of fish and 106
species of coral.


The jewel in its crown, though, is the Great Blue Hole, a large
submarine sinkhole that attracts divers and snorkelers from around the
world

The Great Blue Hole is a feature of the Belize Barrier Reef
Purestock / Thinkstock

5) S S Thistlegorm, Egypt

Sunk by German bombers in 1941, the trains, trucks, armoured vehicles
and motorcycles aboard S S Thistlegorm never made it to their intended
destination of Alexandra in Egypt.


Instead the vessel was considered lost until local fishermen helped
French explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau pinpoint its remains near Ras
Muhammad in the Red Sea in the 1950s. Now divers can discover the entire
ship, including anti-aircraft machine guns and holes left by the bombs,
in a single dive.

Fish explore a truck on the sunken S S Thistlegorm
Creative Commons / Wilfred Hdez

6) Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

A miracle of Mother Nature, the Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most diverse marine life on the planet.
The archipelago’s unique flora and fauna – Galapagos penguins,
Galapagos sharks, marine iguanas and many more – have evolved in
isolation from the rest of the world, inspiring Charles Darwin to
develop his theory of evolution there.


For whales and sharks, the best time to visit is between June and September.

Green turtles are part of an all star line-up in Galapagos
pkphotoscom / Thinkstock

7) Blue Corner Wall, Palau

With an astounding array of underwater life (think bright sea whips,
darting reef sharks, flapping eagle rays, rich coral reefs and schools
of pelagic fish), Blue Corner Wall is considered by many as the best
dive site in the world.


Just south of the Philippines, this underwater marvel in Palau isn’t
for the inexperienced. Strong currents can drag even the strongest
swimmer away, so nearly all divers hook themselves into the wall before
taking in one of the most breathtaking, below the surface sights known
to man.

Abundant marine life makes Blue Corner Wall a joy to dive
Michael Stubblefield / Thinkstock

8) Ithaa Restaurant, Maldives

If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant with a difference, Ithaa
might be for you. This underwater eatery in the Maldives turns the
aquarium theme on its head, exhibiting diners to the local marine life
in a transparent dining room.

The first of its kind, Ithaa seats just 14 guests at a time, who can
quaff their way through a six-course seafood dinner in full view of nosy
– and, presumably, disapproving – fish.

Ithaa Restaurant turns the aquarium theme on its head
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

9) Lake Baikal, Russia

The oldest and deepest (1,700m/5,577ft) freshwater lake in the world,
Lake Baikal is home to 20% of the planet’s unfrozen freshwater.


Located in southeast Siberia, its unique freshwater fauna, which
includes the famous freshwater seal, has evolved in isolation from the
rest of the world, which is why some call it ‘the Galapagos of Russia.’
During winter it is possible to drive across the lake.

Baikal seals are unique to this lake in Siberia
jim8080 / Thinkstock

10) Beluga whales, Canada

Every year, between June and August, thousands of beluga whales swim
to the shores of Churchill to frolic in the recently melted waters.


Known as ‘sea canaries,’ on account of the strange chirping noises
they make, these white whales are a friendly bunch and have become
something of a tourist attraction in the Hudson Bay, where they swim
with snorkelers and kayakers.

Beluga whales frolic in the icy waters of Hudson Bay
Kwok Chan / Thinkstock

Liberia to get Ebola drug,

Liberia to get Ebola drug, ‘Zmapp’ from the United States

by GBADEBO MICHAEL
Barely a week after declining to give Africa the experimental drug for Ebola, the United States government has reportedly agreed to give sample doses of the drug to Liberia.

The Liberian government revealed that sample doses of the drug, ZMapp will be sent to the country to treat doctors infected with the disease.

Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had made a request made on Friday, 8 August to American President, Barack Obama
The request was approved by the White House and the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Zmapp is expected to be brought to the Liberia by a U.S. government representative sometime this week.

The Federal Government of Nigeria had earlier reached out to the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, in Atlanta, to request for the drug for treatment of EVD affected persons in Nigeria, but President Obama turned down the request, saying it would be far more beneficial to focus on prevention instead.

While addressing the 50 African leaders at the recently concluded US-African Summit in Washington DC, Obama said that it would be premature to share the experimental drug with Africa.

In the current outbreak, the virus is believed to have infected 1,848 people and killed 1,013, according to WHO’s latest figures.

Links and Tours News Archive

Nigeria suspends Gambian national airline over Ebola virus

Nigeria has suspended the Gambian national airline from flying into the country, alleging "unsatisfactory" measures by the airline to contain the spread of Ebola virus, officials said on Sunday (Aug 10).

LAGOS: Nigeria has suspended the Gambian national airline from flying into the country, alleging "unsatisfactory" measures by the airline to contain the spread of Ebola virus, officials said on Sunday (Aug 10).

The "NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority) has reviewed the measures put in place by your airline as contained in your letter of 30th July, 2014 and have found these measures unsatisfactory," NCAA said in a letter to Gambia Bird Airlines. "Consequently, your flights into Nigeria have been temporarily suspended with immediate effect until such a time that you are able to put in place acceptable and satisfactory measures," said the letter, a copy of which was sent to AFP. The contents of the airline's letter to the NCAA were not disclosed.

NCAA is the government agency that serves as watchdog for all airlines operating in the country.

The Gambian national carrier flies to Lagos twice weekly. It also flies to other African countries in the region: Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Senegal.

NCAA said that part of its efforts to curb the spread of the virus was to direct all airlines operating into Nigeria from Guinea, Freetown and Monrovia "to put in place adequate measures to ensure that passengers with this disease are not boarded and brought into the country." 

"Such measures may include suspension of flights into these countries," NCAA added.

An American Liberian who arrived in Lagos from Monrovia, capital of Liberia, via Lome (Togo), eventually died of Ebola virus in a Lagos hospital last July 25. A Nigerian nurse who had contact with the Liberian also died last week while seven others have been confirmed to have the virus in Lagos.

Nigeria along with Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia are the hardest hit countries by the epidemic, which the WHO has called the worst in four decades. Nearly 1,000 people have died of the virus in these four countries, WHO said.

Nigeria's president on Friday declared a national emergency over the deadly Ebola virus.

Links and Tours Latest News

Air France plane makes emergency landing at Lagos airport

Posted by:Links and Tours in, Latest News 15/08/2014

 

An Air France flight Sunday made an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

The plane, which landed at 4:59 pm local time, was said to have developed low tyre pressure midway into its journey to Lagos from Paris. Although the flight’s origin was not ascertained, it was learnt that its fear-griped passengers quickly disembarked the aircraft after it touched down this was after after hovering for over an hour.

Rescue agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), fire service and the Nigerian Air Force and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) placed their men on standby at the tarmac. NEMA’s Southwest spokesman Ibrahim Farinloye said there were neither casualties nor injuries.

He said the problem was adequately handled and the 178 passengers moved to safety.

A statement by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) spokesman, Fan Ndubuoke, quoted the airline’s captain as saying he noticed that the left hand nose tyre pressure indicator was on. This indicated faulty nose wheels. Observing the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs), which is a corollary to safe operation, the pilot declared an emergency.

Ndubuoke said the aircraft landed safely. The statement added that the captain of the flight later explained to the NCAA that the nose tyre pressure indicator was faulty, hence the wrong signal. The tyre pressure was later discovered to be in perfect condition. The NCAA directed the pilot to submit the Mandatory Occurrence Report.

LINKS AND TOURS LATEST AIRLINE NEWS

 Airport info

Virgin Atlantic flies to Cape Town International Airport, Terminal 1.

Transport

Touch Down Taxis are the authorised airport service and they are metred. Journeys take 15 to 55 minutes depending on traffic and whether you are driving at peak times, and will cost around £15. A cheaper alternative is the MyCITI shuttle bus, which takes the same time but costs £3.70 to the city centre.

The must sees

Table Mountain offers such a mesmerising backdrop you’ll be aching to get to the top and the Table Mountain Cableway ride is a must. Have a swim at one of the many glorious beaches. Clifton and Camps Bay are best. Then, take a ferry to Robben Island, the former prison that held Nelson Mandela that’s now a World Heritage site and museum. A less well known but important site is the District Six museum, commemorating the area declared ‘white only’ in 1966, which resulted in the removal of 60,000 inhabitants. Cape Town is also home to great local markets, so be sure and visit the Pan African Market for authentic souvenirs.

Local delicacies

South Africa’s famed “rainbow cuisine” is in plentiful supply in Cape Town, and for a 14 course 'guided tour' book at a table at Gold. Their set menu has everything from Cape Malay to Tanzanian with menu items including Kalahari Venison Pie, Biltong Dip and Malay Lentil Dhal. The Test Kitchen offers award winning haute cuisine and is packing them in just like the famous Royale Eatery on Long Street, which has 50 gourmet burgers. Finally, carnivores shouldn’t miss Mzoli’s 'Church of Meat' in Gugulethu. Founded by local entrepreneur Mzoli Ngcawuzele this rowdy and friendly outdoor BBQ and canteen offers great music, a mixed crowd and a genuine township atmosphere. It’s 20 minutes drive out of Cape Town and held from 11am every Sunday.

 Why I love

“South Africa has some of the world’s best vineyards and they’re all within spitting distance of Cape Town (that’s spitting into a spittoon at a tasting of course). There are one day tours available from Cape Town but I like to hire a car with friends and visit a bunch: Klein Constantia, Spier Wine Estate and Steenberg vineyards are highly recommended. It’s also worth dropping by the historic townships of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, for great examples of Cape Dutch architecture and amazing restaurants.” Gavin, Communications.

All play and no work

Café Caprice at Camps Bay is loved by locals for cocktails and beach views, while relative newbie Tjing Tjing off Long Street has a Japanese-ish theme within a lush 200 year old wooden attic and rooftop. For African beats and lots of local punters, check out Rafiki’s, whose 35 metre balcony offers a cool break from the Berg Wind, a hot local breeze, best remedied with a bottle of Jack Black. Bliss.

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A great place to watch the world go by

The Company’s Garden is the perfect place to put your feet up after a trip to the Houses of Parliament, Iziko South African Museum and the South African National Gallery. It’s an oasis just nearby. Established by the Dutch East India Company in the 1650s as a place to grow fresh produce to replenish their ships, it now hosts a park, rose garden, aviary and tearoom.

South African Airways specials! Travel from Lagos to South Africa from just N100, 000

Take advantage of these amazing specials on offer from South African Airways. Flights from Lagos to Johannesburg from only N100, 000 Offer valid only from Lagos to Johannesburg on flight SA081 only. Hurry now! Book your tickets as these flights are limited and subject to availability.

Use Links and Tours Ltd (www.linksandtours.net) to book your hotel and car hire option to take you around in South Africa

Fly from Lagos to South Africa ( Johannesburg ) at an amazing fare with South African Airways

Fare Conditions

Sales and Travel period

• Sale period: Until 30th of September 2014
• Travel period:  Between 3rd of September - 30th  of September 2014
• Max Stay : 12 months
• No show: USD150
• Cancelation / Refund : Tickets are non refundable before and after departure
• Date Change : USD100

  Please note: Fares are available on our website or via our direct call centre on 08034708980. Terms and conditions apply within.

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DUBAI TOUR GUIDE

Transport

A regular Metro system takes passengers to the City Centre every 10-15 minutes, and costs less than a pound. The airport is a 10 minute drive from the city centre, with metred taxis costing around £3.50 and hotel shuttle buses offering easy, reliable transport.

The must sees

First stop is 828 metres straight up, to the observation deck of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. A 65 metre travelator at the bottom includes a history of its construction, before an elevator takes you the top fast, at 10 metres per second. Back on sandy ground there are plenty of safari tours, ranging from half days to overnight camping, and include dune bashing in a four wheel drive, a falcon show and a belly dance. If this has given you a taste of something more traditional, then visit the Bastakia Quarter. Built in the 19th century by Persian traders, the enticing, winding streets feature various souqs (open air marketplaces).

Local delicacies

With 160 food outlets at The Dubai Mall alone, it’s hardly surprising that Dubai has every type of cuisine imaginable (except pork, the sale of which is regulated and more difficult to find). Arabic food is king, biryanis are big and you’ve never had a shawarma until you’ve tried it in the UAE. These juicy wraps of chicken or lamb, served with tabbouleh, hummas and pickled turnips are even tastier when tried at the beginning of the night, rather than at the more traditionally British end of a big night out. Try Automatic or Wild Peeta for the gourmet variety. For world class dining, Ottomans has award winning Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, or Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire within the Dubai Intercontinental Hotel for the best French food this side of the Persian Gulf. C’est magnifique.

Why I love

“The Dubai Mall is the biggest in the world: there are 1,200 shops. It’s impossible to do it in one day, it’s a shopper’s dream. There are 50 shoe shops. I know because I’ve counted them! There’s also an ice rink, an aquarium and a fountain out front designed by the guys that did the Bellagio in Vegas. I also love the Mall of the Emirates. It’s not quite as big, but has a ski slope inside with three football fields full of snow. And penguins!”

All play and no work

Friday brunch has become a fabulous institution in Dubai, with mid morning meals generally lasting four hours or longer. Two restaurants in the Atlantis Hotel hold legendary weekly gatherings, the Saffron Brunch and the Seafire Brunch. Both cost around £77, but includes a constant stream of champagne, and at Saffron, 220 dishes to choose from at any given time. Do remember however that public drunkenness isn’t tolerated.

A great place to watch the world go by

City skyline views, a boating lake and even a cricket pitch make Za’abeel Park a terrific place to unwind and take a few snaps, with plenty of illuminated fountains to add to the charm. Jumeirah Beach Park is more popular due to its proximity to the water. With temperatures ranging between 31 and 49 degrees celsius throughout the year, a beach/park hybrid is the perfect combination.

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EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE FACT SHEET

What is Ebola Virus Disease?

Ebola Virus Disease is a highly infectious and deadly disease affecting humans and animals such Monkeys, Gorrilas, Chimpanzees, Bats, Reptiles, Amphibians, Arthropods. The disease is caused Ebola virus and it occurs in sporadic outbreak.

Where is Ebola Virus Disease found?

Though the natural habitat of the Ebola virus is unknown, Ebola virus is normally found in an animal host that is native to the Africa continent.

Where do cases of Ebola Virus Disease found?

Outbreaks of Ebola VD have been mainly restricted to Africa. Confirmed cases of Ebola VD have been reported in Africa such as Liberia, Sierrea leone, Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Sudan, the Ivory Coast, Uganda etc. Ebola VD is usually spread within a health care setting. However, sporadic isolated cases may occur unnoticed.

How is Ebola Virus Disease Spread?

The manner in which the Ebola virus first appears in a human at the start of an outbreak has not been determined. However, Ebola VD could be spread through the following:

1.                  Direct contact with an infected animal or human

2.                  Direct contact with the blood and or secretions of an infected
            person especially within families.

3.                 Contact with contaminated medical equipment
            such as needles;

4.                  Reuse of unsterilized needles in hospital

5.                  Eating or handling of the carcass of the infected animals;

6.                  Inhalation of contaminated air in hospital environment;

7.                  Use of infected non human primate/bats as food source

8.                  Non implementation of universal precautions;

What are the symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease?

The incubation period for Ebola VD ranges from 2 days – 21 days. The signs and symptoms of Ebola VD include:

1.                  Fever

2.                  Headache

3.                  Diarrhea

4.                  Vomiting

5.                  Chest pain

6.                  Stomach pain

7.                  Cold cough

8.                  Joint and muscles pain

9.                  Sore throat

10.              Weakness

11.              Depression

12.              Confusion

13.              Red eyes

14.              Internal and external bleeding

Who is at risk?

1.                  People exposed to and handling wild animals;

2.                  People depending on wild animals such as bats as a food source;

3.                  Mortuary attendants;

4.                  Health workers caring for ebola vd patients;

5.                  Health workers in hospital settings with poor basic hygiene and sanitation practices;

6.                   Family members of an infected patient;

7.                  People that go to hospital with poor hygiene and sanitation practices;

How is Ebola Disease Prevented?

1.         Avoid contact with the blood / secretions of ebola infected animals and humans or dead bodies by: 
a. Maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices in hospitals;

b. Isolate Ebola Infected Patients

c. Dispose of dead bodies of ebola patients properly in a safe manner

d. Avoid local traditional burial rituals such s embalming for ebola patients

2.         Health workers and visitors caring for ebola patients should:

a. Wear proper personal protective equipment such as face mask, gloves, and Goggles.

b. And gown always

c. Use disposable needles

d. Avoid reuse of needles or use of inadequately sterilized needles

e. Avoid embalming of a deceased ebola patients 

Produced by Federal Ministry of Health Promotion Division in collaboration with Nigerian Cenre for Disease Control, Abuja.

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TRAVELERS BEWARE EBOLA VIRUS

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Ebola virus disease

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Key facts

• Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.
• EVD outbreaks have a case fatality rate of up to 90%.
• EVD outbreaks occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests.
• The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.
• Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered to be the natural host of the Ebola virus.
• Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. No licensed specific treatment or vaccine is available for use in people or animals.

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Ebola first appeared in 1976 in 2 simultaneous outbreaks, in Nzara, Sudan, and in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. The latter was in a village situated near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name.

Genus Ebolavirus is 1 of 3 members of the Filoviridae family (filovirus), along with genus Marburgvirus and genus Cuevavirus. Genus Ebolavirus comprises 5 distinct species:

• Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV)
• Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV)
• Reston ebolavirus (RESTV)
• Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV)
• Taï Forest ebolavirus (TAFV).

BDBV, EBOV, and SUDV have been associated with large EVD outbreaks in Africa, whereas RESTV and TAFV have not. The RESTV species, found in Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, can infect humans, but no illness or death in humans from this species has been reported to date.

Transmission

Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. In Africa, infection has been documented through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest.

Ebola then spreads in the community through human-to-human transmission, with infection resulting from direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids. Burial ceremonies in which mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased person can also play a role in the transmission of Ebola. Men who have recovered from the disease can still transmit the virus through their semen for up to 7 weeks after recovery from illness.

Health-care workers have frequently been infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed EVD. This has occurred through close contact with patients when infection control precautions are not strictly practiced.

Among workers in contact with monkeys or pigs infected with Reston ebolavirus, several infections have been documented in people who were clinically asymptomatic. Thus, RESTV appears less capable of causing disease in humans than other Ebola species.

However, the only available evidence available comes from healthy adult males. It would be premature to extrapolate the health effects of the virus to all population groups, such as immuno-compromised persons, persons with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and children. More studies of RESTV are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn about the pathogenicity and virulence of this virus in humans.

Signs and symptoms

EVD is a severe acute viral illness often characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Laboratory findings include low white blood cell and platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes.

People are infectious as long as their blood and secretions contain the virus. Ebola virus was isolated from semen 61 days after onset of illness in a man who was infected in a laboratory.

The incubation period, that is, the time interval from infection with the virus to onset of symptoms, is 2 to 21 days.

Diagnosis

Other diseases that should be ruled out before a diagnosis of EVD can be made include: malaria, typhoid fever, shigellosis, cholera, leptospirosis, plague, rickettsiosis, relapsing fever, meningitis, hepatitis and other viral haemorrhagic fevers.

Ebola virus infections can be diagnosed definitively in a laboratory through several types of tests:

• antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
• antigen detection tests
• serum neutralization test
• reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay
• electron microscopy
• virus isolation by cell culture.

Samples from patients are an extreme biohazard risk; testing should be conducted under maximum biological containment conditions.

Vaccine and treatment

No licensed vaccine for EVD is available. Several vaccines are being tested, but none are available for clinical use.

Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. Patients are frequently dehydrated and require oral rehydration with solutions containing electrolytes or intravenous fluids.

No specific treatment is available. New drug therapies are being evaluated.

Natural host of Ebola virus

In Africa, fruit bats, particularly species of the genera Hypsignathus monstrosus, Epomops franqueti and Myonycteris torquata, are considered possible natural hosts for Ebola virus. As a result, the geographic distribution of Ebolaviruses may overlap with the range of the fruit bats.

Ebola virus in animals

Although non-human primates have been a source of infection for humans, they are not thought to be the reservoir but rather an accidental host like human beings. Since 1994, Ebola outbreaks from the EBOV and TAFV species have been observed in chimpanzees and gorillas.

RESTV has caused severe EVD outbreaks in macaque monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) farmed in Philippines and detected in monkeys imported into the USA in 1989, 1990 and 1996, and in monkeys imported to Italy from Philippines in 1992.

Since 2008, RESTV viruses have been detected during several outbreaks of a deadly disease in pigs in People’s Republic of China and Philippines. Asymptomatic infection in pigs has been reported and experimental inoculations have shown that RESTV cannot cause disease in pigs.