The National Coordinator of the Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, has revealed plans by the centre to establish a laboratory for carrying out diagnostic tests for infections in Ondo state, within the next one year.

Dr Ihekweazu made this known while inspecting the facilities at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State.

According to him, it is due to the high prevalence of Lassa fever in Ondo State, especially around Owo.

He added that the at the beginning of this year, there were only two laboratories for diagnosis of Lassa fever in Nigeria, while the third one had just been added and the fourth one is in the pipeline.

He informed that the state and federal government and the management of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo will work together to establish a laboratory at the hospital.

Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Center, Owo, Dr Iliasu Ahmed disclosed that there are 91 confirmed cases and 23 deaths of Lassa fever in Ondo State.

He noted that the number of cases has reduced significantly to five as at present.

Dr Ahmed said a committee is in place that is responsible for effectively handling the outbreak of Lassa fever.