2 doctors, 1 hospital staff die of Lassa fever in Oyo

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Uba Group

BY AKINWALE ABOLUWADE

Two doctors and one other hospital staff have died of Lassa fever, the Oyo State Ministry of Health confirms.

Dr. Bode Ladipo, Commissioner for Health in the state, on Thursday, said that the state government was resolute in its decision to curtail the spread of Lassa fever.

According to him, the state continues to stay on top of its game in combating Lassa fever since the first case was recorded in the state in January.

He stated that about four medical practitioners were admitted into a private health facility earlier this week but three had been reported dead.

Ladipo said that surveillance had been heightened at the grassroots level in the state, explaining that “Four health workers from a private health facility were admitted into the treatment centre in the early days of the week.

“Upon diagnostic investigations, all four were confirmed positive for Lassa fever. Unfortunately, three of them, consisting of two doctors and another hospital staff, died despite all efforts at caring for them by experts.

“Nineteen confirmed cases and four deaths have been recorded so far. Surveillance activities have been heightened at the grassroots across the state. Resources have also been deployed to designated health facilities to forestall spread of the disease across the state.”

The health commissioner called for prompt medical attention for those with symptoms of Lassa fever such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, general body weakness and other chronic health condition.

He admonished health practitioners to adhere to the universal safety precautions against diseases while also stating that qualitative health care was the responsibility of all.

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