Nigerians use jokes to diffuse Ebola tension

Nigerians are turning to social media jokes to ease the tension of an Ebola outbreak in the region, now that Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency.

Some of the jokes include pictures of the 'Ebola hug', the 'Ebola handshake' and the 'Ebola kiss.'

(SOUNDBITE) (English) MUSIC PRODUCER, FRANCIS, SAYING:

"I mean, people just say certain things or make jokes out of some certain things just to ease themselves and ease the tension, it's good, you know, when you can just ease your tension with jokes."

Rumors -- not supported by medical professionals -- are also spreading that adding salt to bathing and drinking water can prevent the deadly virus.

In the city of Lagos, mixed reactions about the Ebola outbreak.

One newspaper vendor says customers think Ebola can be spread to others if an infected person touches his newspapers, which is then picked up by someone else.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEWSPAPER VENDOR, MALLAM HASSAN, SAY