BREAKING NEWS: Panic As Lassa Fever Arrives Lagos

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Friday, January 15th, 2016

By Ayo Balogun, Lagos

BALTIMORE, MD (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The first case of the deadly Lassa fever has been recorded in Lagos as the victim is now being isolated at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

Lassa Fever has killed over 40 people in Nigeria, with scores of others being quarantined as the fever gathers momentum more than the deadly Ebola Virus desease.

Lagos Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris confirmed the presence of the deadly fever in Lagos, saying that the victim just came from ABU Zaria.

He said the state government would issue a statement on the matter tomorrow and would begin contact tracing to get those the victim has had contact with.

Officials of LUTH gave the name of the patient as Ahmed Fasasi, a 25-year old male who was brought to the hospital Friday evening.

The patient, who has been confirmed Lassa positive, is now at the Accident and Emergency unit of LUTH where he is being isolated.

LUTH officials said the patient has been isolated, as containment area is being devised, with ribavirin available.

The theatre at the Accident and Emergency Unit is to be used as isolation ward, while the teaching hospital said there is no need to panic as movement has been limited to the Accident and Emergency Unit, LUTH health official said.

Management of the hospital said the hospital had trained staff on ground to tackle Lassa outbreak, promising to provide more information later.