FROM: Dappa Maharajah.
FIVE cases of lassa fever have been confirmed in the North Senatorial District of Ondo State with two incidents in Akoko South West Local Government and three in Owo council areas of the state.
This led to wide spread palpitations in the ancient Owo town, which had higher incident cases leading to the closure of Achievers University, where a female student was confirmed to be a victim.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Tunji Ibiyemi, when addressing journalists on the campus yesterday, refuted allegations that there multiple cases, revealing that the institution only recorded a case.
Ibiyemi noted that the victim, who must have contracted it from her off campus residence, had been given prompt medical treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), and would soon be discharged.
Consequent upon this, the VC said the management had to declare a three week break, making it mandatory for students to present a certificate of medical fitness from a recognized government institution on resumption.
He added that the university is also collaborating with FMC and the state government towards ensuring that the institution and Owo community at large is safe for all.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary (PS), Ministry of Health, Dr. Taiye Oni, lamented that the outbreak came at an unexpected time in the state.
“This is not the usual time it occurs in Ondo State. It usually occurs during dry season and limited to Owo and Ose.”
Oni, however, stressed that government has stepped up measures to combat the endemic disease by reactivating its disease notification and surveillance mechanism.
“Government is doing its best to contain the recorded cases by isolating the patients to prevent further spread, embarked on aggressive contact tracing, sensitisation of the people not just in Owo and Ose but across the state on preventing and precautionary measures.”
The PS revealed that the ministry usually run to Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State but the facility is already overwhelmed with so many cases across the country. This, he said, led to collaboration with FMC to handle recorded cases.
“We are supporting FMC Owo with protective kits, riverbirin injections and tablets and just as we appeal to People with cases of recouring fever to visit the nearest government hospital for necessary attention.”
He advised the people to properly store their foods especially grains as well as give priority to personal and environmental hygiene at this critical time.
