Lassa Fever Kills 15 In Ondo, Infects Delta Corper

Lassa fever has reportedly claimed no fewer than 15 lives, while  28 are said to be on the danger list,   following the outbreak of the deadly disease in Ondo State.

It was learnt that a  majority of the victims were from Oka Akoko, Owo and Ose.

A  source said, “Over 100 people affected   have been receiving  treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while 15 have died and 28 are on the danger list.”

According to the source, a  ward in the hospital reserved for Lassa fever patients is overcrowded, forcing the doctors to refer some patients to the Virology Centre in Akure.

A source at the FMC  claimed one of the health workers in the hospital lost his wife to the disease a  few days ago.

He also confirmed that the number of Lassa fever patients in the hospital was increasing on a  daily basis.

A member of the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association,  who spoke on condition of anonymity,  told one of our correspondents that a  sensitisation programme was needed to stop the disease in the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, said the issue was already being addressed by the state government.

 He said, “I am at the Governor’s Office (on Monday evening)  and we are having a meeting on the matter.

“That is (Lassa fever issue) is what we are trying to address now. We are working on the report available and the next line of action. That is why I’m here.”

Meanwhile,  a corps member serving in Asaba, in the Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, has been diagnosed with the Lassa fever.

The corps member simply identified as Yinka was said to have been taken to the  Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State on Monday after the Federal Medical Centre in  Asaba confirmed the development.

A source told one of our correspondents that Yinka suddenly fell ill on Wednesday and was admitted to the  FMC on Friday.

The source said, “We were buying drugs thinking it was just malaria and that he would be okay.

“After a series of  tests (at the FMC),  he was diagnosed with  Lassa  fever and was taken to Edo State today (Monday).”

The Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps, Delta State,   Mrs Olutayo Samuel, confirmed the development.

“The corps member has been stabilised and transferred to a specialist hospital,” Samuel said.

All efforts made to reach the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Ononye Mordi, and the Chief Medical Director, FMC,  Asaba, Dr Victor Osiatume, were unsuccessful.

The Punch