The Ogun State Government has confirmed that a 20 years old Boy had been tested positive of Lassa fever in the state after travelled back to the state from neighbouring state, Lagos.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babtunde Ipaye made this known while addressing Journalists in his office, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
He said that the boy had been isolated at one of its isolation centres, Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba in Abeokuta, noted that it was imperative to isolate the patient in order not spread the disease, stated further that 66 persons were presently under surveillance which had direct contact with the patient.
Dr. Ipaye added that the boy was responding to treatment as his temperature had reduced 38 Degree Celsius compare to 39. 8 Degree Celsius when he was admitted, his home and ward at General hospital being admitted had been fumigated and decontaminated for the fear of spreading of the disease.
He added that directive had been given to the surveillance officers and the health workers in the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas to be on red alert for any possible victim of the Lassa fever in the state.
He said that thermometer and other medical equipment had been distributed to the health officers across the state to measure the temperature of patients with such of fever, saying that government always ready to curtail the spread of the disease.
He said that since the two cases had been recorded last year, the government had been taking the bull by the horn to tackle any forms of epidemic in the state, noted that there would be no room for any contamination of the disease.
He enjoined the state’ s residents to calm down and not to entertain any fear but they should keep away from eating rats and any other rodents that could lead to Lassa fever, saying that when rat urinate or faeces on a food and consume by individual could automatically lead to the disease.
“We have confidence that the boy will come out of disease because he is responding to treatment at isolation centre at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, and our people should make hygiene environment as their priorities, keep away from eating rats, especially those living in the rural areas of the state.” Ipaye said.
Dr. Ipaye urged the residents of the state to be cautious of personal and environmental hygiene and report any unusual malaria, fever, noting that anybody with fever that exceed or beyond three days without abating should visit any nearest hospitals, primary health care centres or should call this number; 09099140112 for immediate treatment of the ailment.