TheCable

In a pre-emptive measure over the Ebola virus disease, the government of Cameroon has closed its borders with Nigeria.

The state radio announced the government decision on Tuesday.

The extent of the closure was not mentioned, but it is expected to affect both land and air travels.

Five Nigerian states ─ Borno, Adamawa, Benue, Taraba and Cross River ─ share border with the central African country.

Reuters quotes Cameroonian government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary (pictured) as saying the decision was taken to protect its population “because it is much better to prevent than cure the Ebola virus”.

The west African outbreak started in Guinea in March and spread to neighbouring Sierra Leone and Liberia.

The only cases recorded in Nigeria so far were caused by a Liberian who flew into the country before entering the final stage of the fatal disease.

Four Nigerians have died from the infection so far, with five treated and discharged while two are still undergoing treatment and are said to be improving.

A popular physician, Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, who attended to the Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, died on Tuesday, sparking an outpour of sympathy and condolences.

Nigerian government has not yet responded to the action by Cameroon.