Lassa Fever: LUTH empaneled enquiry committee to audit how 3 doctors were infected

THE Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof Chris Bode, said yesterday that an internal enquiry has been empaneled to audit possible breaches in established service protocols and any other reasons, that resulted into their personnel getting infected, with Lassa Fever.

Prof Bode made this known even as he revealed that the three doctors admitted with confirmed Lassa Fever in LUTH have all been certified fit and discharged home.

In a statement signed by the Chief Medical Director and released at the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja, he stated that the doctors were discharged because subsequent repeated tests on them showed they have now tested negative for Lassa and no longer harbour the disease.

The three doctors have been infected after they attended to two patients who had been brought to the LUTH, diagnosed with Lassa fever and died.

Prof  Bode said: “Last week, we reported the deaths of two patients who had been brought to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and were later diagnosed with Lassa fever. Three doctors who closely attended to the first patient later tested positive for the disease and were admitted while 135 other contacts have been followed up.

“The three doctors admitted with confirmed Lassa Fever in LUTH have all been certified fit and discharged home because subsequent repeated tests on them showed they have now tested negative for Lassa and no longer harbor the disease.”

He pointed out that 70 of the contacts being followed up have also been let off, having completed their period of observation.

The Chief Medical Director stated that as at Thursday, only one new case was identified from among the doctors that first had close contact with the index case and she has already commenced treatment and is expected to recover fully very soon.

According to him, psychological and other supports have also been provided and her family contacts are closely monitored.

He explained that over 400 LUTH staff attended a grand round on Viral Hemorrhagic Fever at which various aspects of this contagious ailment were discussed.

“The importance of a high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and referral were highlighted to medical workers who were also enjoined to observe universal precautions while attending to any patient who may be suspected of having Lassa fever.

“There is a fully equipped response squad available round the clock to assess and take over the management of any suspected cases in LUTH.” He said.

Prof. Bode said both the Federal Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Ministry of Health have supported LUTH with the provision of more drugs and Personal Protective Equipment, follow up services and decontamination; while free hand sanitizers have been deployed to various wards.

He said: “Overall, the disease is gradually tapering off but we must remain vigilant while ongoing efforts are maintained to control the disease. LUTH Management thanks all stakeholders and the Press for their continued support.”