Lassa Fever: No Cause For Alarm – Osun Govt
By Nofisat Marindoti
Following the report of suspected cases of Lassa Fever in Ilesa and Ile-Ife towns in the State of Osun, the State Government has urged the citizens not to panic, stressing that the situation is under control.
During a radio programme monitored by Osun Defender, a medical practitioner from the state ministry of health and the state epidermologist, Dr Adeola Musa said only one out of the five cases has tested positive but added that the ministry is still awaiting the result of final confirmation test to really confirm the disease.
She also revealed that the disease was imported into the state as the only patient suspected to really have it came from Ondo State.
Recalling that this would be the second time a viral disease would be coming from Ondo State, Dr Adeola stated that the State Government is putting adequate precautions in place and that there is a synergy between the two State Governments on the particular patient.
Assuring that there is no cause for alarm, the medical practitioner however urged the people to maintain a high level of hygiene and report any strange or persistent fever to appropriate quarters as soon as possible.
“I will encourage our people to have a high level of hygiene, to beware of rodents and maintain high level of precaution. We should also wash our hands regularly, the importance of regular handwashing cannot be over emphasized. We should also have high index of suspicion and report any strange illness.
“People who have fever should go beyond just having Malaria treatment, we should be over the counter treatment and stop spreading food on the main roads.” she added.
