Following a test carried out by medical personnel in Edo State on one hundred and seventy five (175) suspected cases of Lassa fever, seventy six (76) people tested positive for the deadly virus.

Edo State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, confirmed the figure on Friday, January 24th, 2020, during a Lassa fever committee meeting, headed by the Edo State’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, and a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Okundia said:

A total of 76 suspected cases of Lassa fever were confirmed yesterday in the state and they are currently on admission in the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. We have not recorded any new death but have also reduced our case fatality rate to less than 10 per cent. The number of cases in the ward now is 34, and we have discharge over 28 patients that have been fully treated and cured.

On his part, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Philip Shaibu, urged hospitals throughout the state to refer suspected cases to isolation centres and Irrua Specialist Hospital.

He said;

Ministries of environment, agriculture, education, information and other relevant ministries should also step up in the area of public awareness of the people. The 18 local government councils of the state should call for emergency meeting which will include private health practitioners for the purpose of early referral.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.