Irrua Specialist Hospital

Two health workers at the General Hospital, Umuolo in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State have been placed under surveillance by officials of the Ministry of Health, for suspected case of Lassa fever.

The woman died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, the state capital, shortly after her blood sample was taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State, for tests.

Lassa fever has continued to spread in Nigeria with 913 suspected cases and 73 deaths in 17 states this year with Edo and Ondo bearing 75 per cent of the burden. The acute viral haemorrhagic illness of two-21 days duration is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) delegation in Edo State drafted to support the state’s team handling the outbreak of Lassa Fever, has commended the Edo State Government for its swift response to the public health emergency, especially with the setting up of the Emergency Operation Centre at the Irrua Specialist Hospital, in the state.

The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, on Monday blamed poor preparation and tardiness by state governments for the current spread of Lassa Fever and other public health challenges in Nigeria.

The Senate has begun moves to probe the spread of Lassa fever in 14 states in the country.

The Delta State Government has donated personal protective medical equipment to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, as part of efforts to curtail the scourge of Lassa fever in the state.

Delta State has confirmed two cases of the Lassa Fever infection, with one patient said to be dead.

No fewer than three persons have been confirmed dead, while several others are under watch in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, following the outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state.

The National Coordinator, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, says 21 deaths have been recorded from the 77 confirmed cases in the current outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, on Saturday attributed the increasing number of Health worker getting infected with Lassa Fever to their refusal to take necessary precaution while treating patients in hospitals.

There was a reported outbreak of Lassa fever in Ondo State, with 10 persons infected by the deadly virus.

Kogi State has been thrown into mourning following the death of a medical doctor Idowu Ahmed Victor diagnosed of Lassa Fever in Irua, Edo State.

Two resident doctors serving at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakiliki, FETHA, Ebonyi State have died of lassa fever.

Researchers have underscored the need of diagnostic testing for Lassa Virus Disease (LVD) in children with fever in endemic areas in Nigeria to facilitate its control, especially in hospitals.