Panic Looms As Lassa Fever Bites Hard On Ondo State, Kills 15

No fewer than 15 lives have reportedly been cut short by the deadly Lassa fever disease in Ondo State. While 28
people are said to be on the danger list, following the outbreak. Majority of the victims were from Oka Akoko, Owo and Ose reports say.

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

“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," the source revealed.

A source at the hospital claimed that one of the health workers in the hospital lost his wife to the disease a few days ago. Affirming the report that the number of Lassa fever patients in the hospital was increasing on a daily basis.

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

In his words;
"I am at the Governor's Office (on Monday evening) and we are having a meeting on the matter.

"That 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."

Pleading anonymity, a member of the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association revealed that a sensitization programme was needed to stop the disease in the state.

Extending its 'diseased tentacles' towards Delta State, a corps member serving in Asaba, in the Oshimili South Local Government Area of the State, has been diagnosed with the Lassa fever disease as well.

The corps member identified only 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.

An eyewitness disclosed that Yinka suddenly fell ill on Wednesday and was admitted to the FMC on Friday.

"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)."

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

"The corps member has been stabilized and transferred to a specialist hospital," the coordinator said.

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