Lassa Fever: Death Toll Rises to Nine in Ondo, 36 Cases Confirmed

James Sowole in Akure

The number of deaths recorded from Lassa Fever infection in Ondo State has increased to nine. The figure was disclosed by the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in a state broadcast on the dreaded disease on Saturday.

The governor disclosed that a total of 102 suspected cases of the ailment had been reported in eight local government areas of the state. He added that 36 of the 79 cases with laboratory results had been confirmed, including nine deaths.

Akeredolu said at present 127 Hospital Contacts and 308 Community Contacts were line-listed in all the affected Local Government Areas while 30 have completed their follow-up.

He said patients were being managed at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo, while confirmatory tests are done at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State.

To contain the spread of the disease, Akeredolu said an Emergency Preparedness and Response Team had been reactivated at both the State and Local Government levels, in addition to active surveillance and contact tracing in the affected council areas.
According to Akeredolu, sensitisation and community mobilisation are going on in all local government areas for traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, market women and other stakeholders.

“Publicity is also ongoing through radio jingles, radio and television discussions in our media houses. Information, Education and Communication materials such as handbills, flyers and posters have been produced and these are being distributed.”

He disclosed that vehicles have been dedicated for transportation of samples and referred patients to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospitals, Irrua, Edo State just the Infectious Disease Isolation Unit at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo has been expanded through the support of his administration.

“Some Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Drugs, and hospital beds were donated to FMC, Owo to support the management of the patients. Some Nursing staff members were also released to the Treatment Centre to support the management of the patients”, he added.