Lassa fever in Delta: Quarantined persons now 40

The number of persons quarantined as a result of the outbreak of Lassa fever in Asaba, Delta State, has risen from 32 to 40.

This is coming as the doctor, who died of the disease, is expected to be buried this weekend in

Anambra State.

The state Commissioner for Information Mr Patrick Ukah, who disclosed this to newsmen in Asaba, on Tuesday, said the wife of the deceased,  however, tested negative, adding that all the persons who had contact with the late doctor were under watch.

“All environmental and medical agencies had been put on the alert,” Ukah said.

The commissioner stated that government had decided to use public address system to reach out to the people on the need to be cautious of personal hygiene, especially the washing of hands, and traditional rulers had also been directed to sensitise their subjects.

The medical practitioner resident in Asaba reportedly gave up the ghost at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, where he was referred to for the treatment of Lassa fever.

The late doctor’s hospital in Umuaji area and another private hospital where he was treated at Bonsaac area, all in Asaba, have been shut down and fumigated.

The victim was first admitted at a private hospital, from where he was referred to NAUTH, Nnewi. His blood sample tested positive to Lassa fever at the Institute of Lassa Fever, Irrua, Edo State.

According to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Azinge, who had earlier issued a statement on the matter, the state Lassa Fever Response Team had been reactivated, adding that sensitisation of health workers in the state was ongoing for them to have  high index of suspicion and take preventive measures when managing infectious cases.