First Lassa Fever Patient In Lagos Discharged From Luth

SAN FRANCISCO, February 19, (THEWILL) – The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), has discharged a 25-year- old student who tested positive to Lassa fever after receiving treatment at the hospital.

According to a statement released by the hospital's management, on Friday, the student who was the first person to have been diagnosed of Lassa fever in Lagos, has recovered from the disease.

“LUTH is one of the first hospitals in the South West that has successfully admitted, managed and discharged a Lassa fever patient, in this current outbreak,” the statement read.

“We mobilised a team of specialists including nurses, virologists and medical microbiologists and the patient was managed, in an Isolation Centre with other drugs and adequate infection control measures put in place. These included contact tracing and monitoring.

“It is gladdening to note that the patient has fully recovered and has been discharged having tested negative for Lassa virus.”

The hospital also commended the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, the National Centre for Disease Control, Abuja and the Lagos State Government for their quick intervention when the patient was first diagnosed of the disease at the hospital.

Lassa virus is transmitted to humans from contact with food or household items contaminated with the excreta or urine of infected rats and has led to the death of over 100 Nigerians.

Story by David Oputah