Delta confirms first case of disease

dimeji akinloye

January 18, 2016 9:08 PM

It said that the woman was referred to Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, when her conditioned worsened.

The Ministry of Health in Delta on Monday announced that it had confirmed the first case of Lassa fever in the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Churchill Oyewo, Public Relations Officer of the ministry and issued to newsmen in Asaba.

The statement said that the index case occurred after a 65-year-old woman from neigbouring Anambra was admitted at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Asaba.

The statement said that the case was later confirmed as Lassa fever at the Virology Laboratory, Specialist Hospital, Irrua, Edo.

The ministry said that following the discovery, the state Rapid Response Team immediately placed 22 persons who had contact with the woman on surveillance.

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It added that five other samples had been sent for laboratory investigation, adding that the ministry had informed the Federal Ministry of Health on the development.

According to the statement, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa has provided the necessary logistics to enhance contact tracing and control measures.

It advised residents to maintain high level of personal and environmental hygiene as well as keep their food and water away from rats and rodents.

dimeji akinloye