Fresh Case Of Lassa Fever Outbreak Confirmed in Ondo State

An outbreak of Lassa-fever has been confirmed, by the Permanent Secretary of Health Ministry, to the Ondo state government Dr Taye Oni in Akure on wednesday. According to him, two of the confirmed cases were reported to have happen in Akoko South West. Another three cases where confirmed at Owo council areas of the state. According to him, the cases involved a 56-year-old male, a 47-year-old female alongside two other persons. 

Dr. Oni noted that the state government is current working with all relevant body to see that the disease is brought under control. The permanent secretary listed some of the bodies to include; Irua Specialist Hospital, Edo state, Federal Medical Center Owo and the National Centre for Infectious Disease Control. He said;

“We have always run to Irrua Specialists Hospital in Edo State, but the facility is now overwhelmed with so many cases across the country and that is why we are collaborating with the Federal Medical Centre in Owo”

While advising people on the safety of properly store their foods especially those of grains noted that the reported cases have been isolated and under surveillance. She solicited for the support of the Federal Government while also using the media to affirm the state government readiness and commitment in dealing with the crisis. 

Among the confirmed cases is a female student of the Achievers University in Owo. Speaking to newsmen in his office, the Vice Chancellor of the institution Mr. Tunji Ibiyemi who confirmed the cases disclosed that the management of the institution has declared a three-week break for the students to vacate the school premises in other to contain the spread of the virus. He said the girl who is currently in isolation and receiving treatment at the federal medical centre contracted the sickness at an off-campus hostel. 

He further disclosed that upon return, the student will be made to present certificate of medical fitness from any recognized government hospital to show that they are free from the disease.

Lassa fever, which is also known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever (LHF) is caused by the Lassa virus. Symptoms of the virus include fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, muscle pains and also bleeding from the mouth. The disease if not properly treated will kill its victim within two weeks. It is usually contact from the urine or feces of an infected multimammate rat. The disease can also spread through direct contact between people. An antiviral drug known as Ribavirin according to report, can be use to combat the disease. 

A report released by the world health orginisation (WHO) shows that the disease is mostly common in West African countries of Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, and Sierra Leone. According to the report, a good hygiene culture and a habit of discourage rodents (rats) from entering homes is a better way of preventing and controlling the spread of the disease. Another important factor list by the world health orginasition is that regions mostly affected with Lassa fever, should learn who to properly store their food as well as  disposing of garbage far from the home.