A DOCTOR HAS DIED OF LASSA FEVER IN OSUN STATE

As reported by The Nation Newpaper: THE management of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Osun State, has confirmed that a doctor in the hospital died of Lassa fever.

When the news of the doctor’s death – the first record of the disease in the state – first broke on Monday, the hospital said it could not verify the cause of his death.

Speaking through its committee chairman on Lassa fever, Prof. Adedeji Onayade, the hospital said the doctor’s blood sample was obtained and sent to the Federal Ministry of Health for confirmation.

Prof. Onayade insisted that until the result of the blood sample was confirmed, it could not be said the hospital recorded a Lassa fever death.

But yesterday, the hospital confirmed that the doctor died of the disease.

In a telephone interview yesterday, Prof. Onayade said the laboratory test confirmed that “the resident doctor’s death on Monday at the hospital was caused by Lassa fever”.

Also yesterday, the death of a patient at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) heightened fears over the infection.

Governor Ayo Fayose urged residents to be vigilant and take precautions.

Fayose, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, emphasised the need for residents to maintain clean environment.

“The disease is in the state and samples have been taken from a dead person to see whether the signs had to do with the disease; another is on the sick bed.

“We are trailing those who have been in contact with the victims and we are urging our people to take care of their food items and they must not be exposed to rats.

“People must report immediately to health authorities. Our enlightenment programme will be taken to the palaces of our monarchs for our people to meet health workers. Our food must be covered and we must maintain decent environment,” he said.

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has urged medical and health workers in the FCT to remain on the alert.

Bello , however, said the lone case in FCT was that of a man in transit.

He directed the Disease Control and Disease Surveillance Department to be prepared for any eventuality.