Edo Govt Confirms Six Cases Of Lassa Fever

Edo Government has confirmed recording six cases of
Lassa fever in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Aihanuwa Eregie, told
newsmen in Benin on Monday that the cases were confirmed
at the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua
Specialist Hospital, Edo.
"Among the six cases, one is from Plateau while the remaining
five cases are from Edo.
"Among the five cases from Edo, four are from Estako West
local government area while the remaining case is from
Uhumwonde area of the state,'' she said.
Eregie said that the disease was a serious threat to residents
of the state, adding that Edo harbours most of the cases of
the disease diagnosed in Nigeria.
READ: Lassa Fever kills 40 people in 10 states »
"Lassa fever is a haemorrhagic viral disease caused by Lassa
virus which is transmitted from rats, of the family called
Mastomys, to humans.
"The symptoms of the disease include severe illness with fever
and at least one of the following signs: bloody stool, vomiting
blood or unexplained bleeding from the gums, nose, vagina, skin
or eyes.
"Lassa fever initially presents like other forms of fever in our
community.
"It is important to report all cases of febrile illnesses that are
not responding to common treatment measures to the nearest
facility for proper diagnosis.
"Edo government is already putting measures in place to stop
the further spread of the disease.
"The measures include health education and sensitisation of
clinicians and other health workers, intensification of
surveillance for Lassa fever and other diseases.
"Other measures are linkage of healthcare centres to the
Institute of Lassa Fever Research in the state and early referral
of suspected cases to the Lassa fever institute.,’’ said the
commissioner.
She urged residents of the state to desist from bush burning
so that rats are not driven into homes.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to embrace
good sanitary conditions and proper storage of foods in
covered containers to break the chain of transmission of the
disease.
She also called for proper and regular hand washing,
eliminating rats from homes, wearing of personal protective
covering when in contact with persons suspected to have the
disease.
Besides, the commissioner called for proper disposal of
medical waste to check the spread of the disease.

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