From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Ogun State government, yesterday, declared the Lassa fever outbreak in the state and confirmed the first death.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, in a statement said a 25-year-old female National Youth Corps member is the first case and casualty to be recorded.
Coker explained that the corps member had become sick while in Ondo State and was brought to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North LGA in Ogun on March 18 but later died.
While saying that Lassa fever is a viral Haemorrhagic disease that presents with High grade fever, headache, general body weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, chest pain and unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings, the Commissioner urged members of the community to promptly report to the hospital, if they notice any of these symptoms.
‘Any case of febrile illness that has not responded to 48 hours use of anti-malaria or antibiotics should raise an index of suspicion for Lassa fever!
“We implore all Health facilities in Ogun state, public and private, to step up Infection Prevention and Control measures and encourage compliance by all health facility staff.
“Healthcare worker that suspects Lassa fever in a patient, are advised to call their local government disease surveillance and notification officer whose numbers are placed in our health facilities or call State Disease surveillance and Notification Officer (0703-421-4893) or State Epidemiologist (0808-425-0881)
“The Ogun State Government remains dedicated to protecting the health of its citizens through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases”, Coker said in the statement.
She, however, disclosed that the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team at Ijebu North East LG is keeping the situation under control with enhanced surveillance and community engagement and mobilisation for effective response.