Ekiti, Delta record Lassa fever outbreak, as 1 dead, 22 on surveillance in Asaba

A fresh case of Lassa fever has been reported in Ekiti and Delta States respectively.
Already, a patient, who was tested positive to the infection on Saturday is now on admission at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olurotimi Ojo, who broke the sad news in Ado-Ekiti, on Monday, at a stakeholders’ meeting on Lassa fever, said that the patient was currently isolated at the hospital, while efforts were being made by experts to effect that she survives.
Ojo added that he had confirmed from the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr, Lawrence Ayodele, who said that the patient was a student of the School of Nursing – a training arm of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti.
The Commissioner, who revealed that the disease has been endemic, particularly in Borno State since 1969, said the patient was said to have been treated for malaria and typhoid fever with high profile antibiotics, but did not respond to treatment.
Meanwhile, a 65-year-old woman (name withheld) from Ifiogwari village, Ayamelunu, Anambra State, was confirmed killed by the dreaded Lassa fever at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), in Asaba, Delta State.
The State Rapid Response Team said no fewer than 22 persons had already contacted the disease, and they that were under surveillance, while five tests had been sent for laboratory investigation.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the state Ministry of Health, Mr. Churchill Oyowe, confirmed the death of the patient, and said that she was first admitted at St. Joseph’s Hospital before being referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, when her conditioned worsened
Oyowe said the case was confirmed at the virology laboratory, Specialist Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, adding that the two other samples sent to the same laboratory tested negative.
He stated that the state government had already informed the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, on the developments, as Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was said to be providing the necessary logistics to enhance contact- tracing and other control measures.