By Kamsi AnayoAwka
The Ogun state government has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever and as has declared an outbreak of the deadly disease.
The index case is a 25-year-old female National Youth Corp member who fell sick while in Ondo state and was brought to one of the secondary health facility in ljebu North LGA of the state on March 18 and later died same day.
Dr. Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health in a statement on Wednesday, said that Lassa fever is a viral Haemorrhagic disease that presents with High grade fever, Headache and General body weakness.
Others are Sore throat, Muscle pain, Cough, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Chest pain and unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings.
She implored members of the community to promptly report to the hospital if they notice any of the 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!
“Also implore all Health facilities in Ogun state, public and private, to step up Infection Prevention and Control measures antencourage 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 (LGA DSNO) 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),” Coker added.
According to her, the state government remains dedicated to protecting the health of her citizens through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases.
“The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team at ljebu North East are keeping situation under control with enhanced surveillance and community engagement and mobilization for effective response,” she stated.
