Lassa Fever Kills One In Abuja

The Ministry of Health in Nigeria has confirmed the death of a Lassa Fever victim at the National Hospital in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The death came a day after the Ministry confirmed that 41 persons had died so far, with a report that there were no new cases.

Announcing the death at the National Hospital on Wednesday, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, called on Health workers at all levels to be more vigilant and look out for patients with symptoms of Lassa Fever.

Symptoms Of Lassa Fever

The Minister also directed that all primary and secondary contacts of the victim should be tracked, including the staff of the private hospital in Kubua where the deceased was first managed for one week and subsequently became unconscious before referral to the National Hospital.

He also advised that family members should report at the nearest hospital if anyone had 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 and vomiting among others.

He cautioned that self-medication should be avoided at this period.

The Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr Jack Momoh, who briefed the Minister On Wednesday evening, during his visit to National Hospital, said that the patient was brought in unconscious from a Private Hospital in Kubua where he was admitted for eight days.

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

He however died within 24 hours of presentation at the National Hospital.

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