Lassa fever: Another patient dies in Asaba

Another patient suffering from the dreaded Lassa fever disease has died at emergency ward of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State capital.

Last week, a female patient imported the disease into Asaba from neighbouring Anambra State. She was the first victim to die in Delta State following the recent outbreak of the disease across the country.

Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah had in the wake of the first incident said other samples taking to the laboratory at Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State tested negative to Lassa fever.

Ukah said 22 persons who were suspected to have had contact with the deceased woman from Anambra State, were placed under close surveillance.

But it could not be ascertained if the latest death was one of the 22 persons earlier quarantined.

The latest incident caused panic among other patients at the facility as they reportedly took to their heels.

Medical personnel who had hectic time restoring normalcy and educating the fleeing patients about the disease, later shared medical face mask to the patients and relatives apparently to ensure their safety.

The health personnel who wore protective clothing later removed the corpse from the ward to the mortuary.

A top management staff of the hospital who pleaded anonymity confirmed the death but declined further comments particularly on the identity of the latest victim.

Lassa fever is caused by a virus found in the urine and faeces of a specie of rat when they contaminate food or water or come in contact with broken skin of humans.

Infected persons spread the disease when their body fluids such as blood, faeces, urine, sperm and vomit come in contact with others.

According to experts, some signs and symptoms of Lassa fever infection include cold and fever, sore throat, headache, pains in different parts of the body, nausea, cough, diarrhea and general sense of being unwell.

Severe stage of the infection comes with swellings on the face and hand, bleeding in different parts of the body such as ears, mouth, nose, anus and vagina. Agency report