Ondo Records Lassa Fever Outbreak

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By; ODEYEMI SAMUEL, Akure
It has been uncovered that no fewer than ten people are now down with Lassa fever virus in Ondo State.
The epidemic, according to New Nigerian Newspapers investigations, is said to have occurred in Ose and Owo local government areas of the state, while Akoko area has recorded four cases of Lassa fever which transmits to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodents urine or faeces.
Some of the infected persons  were hospitalised at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owo, while others with critical conditions were referred to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo state for  further treatment.
Confirming the outbreak of the epidemic, a medical Doctor with FMC Owo, who did not want his name mentioned , said that a  family of four people were brought to FMC from Oka-Akoko area while some  patients were also rushed to the centre from Owo and Ose local government areas.
The Medical expert expressed displeasure that the Ondo state government was not showing enough commitment to curtail  the outbreak of  lassa fever in the areas, noting that health workers at FMC were now working under the  fear of contracting the epidemic.
When contacted on telephone, the Chief Medical Director of FMC,  Dr Liasu Ahmed who confirmed the outbreak however declined to give further details insisting that it was the prerogative of the  Ondo state government  to release details on the lassa fever outbreak.
As at the time of filing this report, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahaab Adegbenro could not be contacted to have his reaction  to the development.

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