The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Lokoja, Kogi State’s capital on Sunday January 26 confirmed three cases of Lassa fever and one death in its facility.
FMC Lokoja’s Head of Clinical Services, Dr Bernard Ododo said 3 patients tested positive while one death was recorded after 5 suspected cases were reported.
Ododo said;
”Five suspected cases reported at the hospital in the last one week, three already tested positive, of which one died.
”Two cases already transferred to Lassa Fever Management Center at Irua Specialist Hospital in Edo State.
”Two others (of which one has died) have their results awaited from NCDC Laboratory in Abuja.”
He urged members of the public to maintain high hygienic principles, keep rodents away from their residence and foodstuff materials.
Residents of the state were asked to seek medical attention for fever, headache, sore throat, vomiting, joint pain, abdominal pain and bleeding from body orifices.
Health workers were also advised to imbibe precautionary measures to protect themselves against the disease. Ododo said;
”For health caregivers, universal safety precaution is key. Wash hands with sanitizers, glove and kitting on personal protection equipment kit (PPE) are necessary.
”But first is to uphold a high index of suspicion while clerking patient with likely Lassa fever signs and symptoms on arrival to the hospital .
”Treatment is more effective if detected early and treatment commenced immediately.
”Lassa is highly infectious and contagious, everyone must beware.”
