Just In: Government Confirms Outbreak Of Lassa Fever In Abuja As Disease Spreads

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has announced the death of one Lassa fever victim at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Adewole called on health workers at all levels to be more vigilant and look out for patients with symptoms of Lassa fever.

The announcement was contained in a statement by the Director, Press, FMOH, Mrs. Boade Akinola.

The minister directed that all primary and secondary contacts of the victim should be tracked including the staff of the private hospital in Kubwa where the deceased was first managed for one week until he became unconscious before referral to National Hospital.

He also advised family members to report at the nearest hospital if anyone has fever for more than two days.

The Minister, however called on the residents of Abuja not to panic but to maintain high level vigilance and present themselves for test if they feel unhealthy or they feel symptoms of Lassa fever which include high fever, stooling, tiredness, vomiting, etc, adding that self-medication should be avoided at this period.

The Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Jack Momoh, briefed the minister this evening during his visit to National Hospital.

He said that the patient was brought in unconscious from a Private Hospital in Kubwa where he was admitted for eight days.

The newly married 33- year-old lived in Jos, but came to see a family member in Kubwa because of his illness.

The latest death from Lassa fever brings the total number of deaths to 43 in the country (from 10 states).