First case of Lassa fever recorded in Lagos

The first case of the dreaded Lassa fever disease has been recorded in Lagos state.This was revealed by the Minister of Healtlh, Isaac Adewole.

He said the patient, a 25 year old student of the Ahmadu Bello University who traveled from Zaria to Lagos,has now been isolated at the Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit of the hospital.

He asked that residents of the state must not panic as government is working to stop the spread of the disease.

The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Olufemi Fasanmade said:

“Containment area being devised, ribavirin available. We will use theatre in A&E as isolation ward. No need to panic.”

Lassa fever is transmitted by infected rodents.