Breaking: Lassa Fever Kills One In Abuja

The Minister of Health, has announced the death of one confirmed Lassa fever victim at National Hospital Abuja.

The Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who made the announcement at the National Hospital Abuja this evening, has called on Health workers at all levels to be more vigilant and look out for patients with symptoms of Lassa fever.

The Minister also has directed that all primary and secondary contacts of the victim should be tracked including the staff of the private hospital in Kubwa where the  deceased was first managed for one week and subsequently became unconscious before referral to National Hospital.

Prof. Adewole also advised that family members should report at the nearest hospital if anyone has fever for more than two days

The Minister, however called on the residents of Abuja not to panic but to maintain high level vigilance and present themselves for test if they feel unhealthy or they feel symptoms of Lassa fever which includes high fever, stooling, tiredness, vomiting among others, adding that self-medication should be avoided at this period.

The Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr Jack Momoh, who briefed the Minister this evening during his visit to National Hospital, said that the patient was brought in unconscious from a Private Hospital in Kubwa, where he was admitted for 8 days.

According to Dr. Momoh, The 33 year old newly married lived in Jos Plateau but came to see a family member in Kubwa because of his illness, but however died within 24hours of presentation at the National Hospital.

The latest death from Lassa fever brings the total number of deaths to 43 in the country.

Source:persecondnews.com