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Tag: Dr. Jide Idris

  • Nurse gave baby overdose on doctor’s instruction, panel told

    HJ CLAIROOWEN Medical Centre’s Head Nurse Dayo Badmus, who was referred to as Dr. Dayo by a paediatrician with the General Hospital, Igando, Lagos, identified as Dr. Joy, gave the late 15-month-old Taye Adetunji three 20 doses of analgesic injections, a panel heard yesterday.

    Badmus, it was gathered, told the Hospital Services Commission (HSC) investigating allegations of professional misconduct and negligence against the doctor that he acted on her instruction.

    The child’s parents as well as the doctor in the heat of the controversy were brought before the panel, which sat on Lagos Island yesterday, for them to state their case.

    The Nation learnt that Dr. Joy had initially denied knowing the injections Badmus administered to the toddler, but when the latter was called on hands-free phone, he confessed that the actions he took were based on the doctor’s instruction.

    Badmus, our correspondent gathered, told the panel that Dr. Joy, the owner of the unregistered private clinic, instructed him to administer 20 doses of analgesics three times to the child, adding that he also gave her another injection on her instruction.

    Dr. Joy, who had told the child’s mother, Taiwo Adetunji, that her baby needed blood and oxygen, but there was no space to admit her at the General Hospital, Igando; denied referring the patient to her clinic, but changed her statement when the note she scribbled on a discarded duplicate teller was given to the panel.

    Giving details of what transpired at the panel, a source said: “When the meeting started, the victim’s mother explained what happened and Dr. Joy was asked to react. She denied referring the woman anywhere.

    Read also: Lagos Govt orders investigation into patients’ poaching by govt doctors

    “The panel was told the family had evidence and the board requested for the evidence. She was asked if that was her handwriting and she answered in the affirmative. Then, she was warned about telling lies. She admitted that she referred them to her clinic and when they asked her the relationship between her and Dayo Badmus, she said she employed him to work for her.

    “They asked her questions about what happened that day. She explained and the board told her that from the beginning till the child died, all she did was wrong.

    “They asked her if the case was an emergency as she stated. She was asked many questions, but she could not answer them.

    “Initially, she claimed she did not know the injections Dayo Badmus administered to the baby. Badmus was called immediately and the phone was put on speaker. He said he carried out Dr Joy’s instructions from the beginning to the end.

    “After Badmus told them the drug he administered, they interpreted the drug as 20 doses that he gave three times. The board was very angry with her and assured the family that justice would be done. They assured the mother that they will do everything to ensure such a thing does not happen again.”

    The Nation gathered that the nurses on duty at the General Hospital, Igando that Sunday were also invited and they confirmed that they saw the woman and her child.

    The nurses, it was learnt, told the panel that they asked the doctor where the woman went to and Dr. Joy told them that she (Taiwo) said she would not stay at the General Hospital, Igando again.

    The Public Advice Centre (PAC) and the Child Protection Network (CPN) have petitioned relevant agencies, demanding justice.

    Contacted for an update, Health Commissioner Dr. Jide Idris said he was expecting the report of the panel today.

    “The panel sat at the HSC board. I gave them till tomorrow (today) to submit their recommendation to me,” he added.

  • Lagos Govt orders investigation into patients’ poaching by govt doctors

    Lagos State Government says it has ordered investigation into the death of a child, and allegations of patients poaching by some doctors from the state General Hospitals to their private clinics.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, also said that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) had shut private hospital, HJ Clairoowen Medical Centre and Maternity where the child allegedly died.

    According to Idris, investigations are ongoing on the operations of the facility whose documents showed that it has not been registered with HEFAMAA or certified for the purpose of healthcare delivery.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this followed a March 27 publication by Mr Adeola Adetunji, accusing a doctor at the Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, of professional misconduct

    Adetunji had sought justice following the death of his 15-month-old twin daughter, Taiwo Adetunji, at the private clinic in Lagos.

    He had alleged that the private clinic was owned by a paediatrician, who also is an employee of the state government working at the General Hospital, Igando.

    “The ministry will make known its findings in due course and mete out appropriate sanctions to anyone found culpable in the unfortunate incident.

    “We will like to assure citizens of our resolve to continuously address the issue of patient poaching and ensure that residents have unfettered access to quality healthcare service without exploitation.

    “As a government, the wellbeing of citizens is of utmost importance to us and this is the main thrust of our social contract with the people.

    “The Lagos State Government is a responsible and responsive government, and we will not rest on our oars to ensure that justice in this case is served without let or hindrances, “he said.

    The commissioner urged members of the public not to patronise any health facility not bearing the HEFAMAA logo.

    He also urged the public to channel complaints and petitions in respect of unprofessional conducts by healthcare providers or health facilities to the HEFAMAA Office, Room 514 Ministry of Health, Alausa, Ikeja.

    “We wish to also note that it is against the norm and highly unethical for general hospitals or any government health facilities to refer patients or cases to private health facilities.

    “The general public is therefore to take note of this and report any health worker or government facility who indulge in this unprofessional act,“ Idris said.

    In its reactions, the State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has called for an improvement of the country’s hospital referral system, saying it was key to patient management.

    READ ALSO: Hospitals of death, tears and sorrow (2)

    Its Chairman, Dr Saliu Oseni, said: “The attention of NMA, Lagos has been drawn to a publication by Mr Adeola Adetunji who alleged professional misconduct by one of our members at the Alimoso General Hospital, Igando.

    “Though, the association has yet to receive an official complaint from the victim, it will be inhumane to ignore such weighty allegation especially as it involves loss of life.

    “We are aware of the pain this irreparable loss has caused the family.

    “The case is already being investigated by a panel set up by the state government and the association is following the events with keen interest.

    “This event has once again reminded us of many inadequacies in our health sector begging for urgent review.

    “Our referral system must be improved upon, simplified and made known to the public as patient referral remains a key part of patient management. “

    The chairman said that the association would ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident was unravelled.

    According to him, the case is being investigated by a panel set up by the state government and the association is following the events with keen interest.

    He, however, called on the general public to continue to have faith in the health sector.

    “Justice will not only be done, but shall be seen by all to have been done as the association believes strongly in professionalism,” he said.

  • Monkeypox spreads to Lagos, two cases recorded

    Monkeypox spreads to Lagos, two cases recorded

    The Lagos State Government confirmed  that it has recorded two suspected cases and appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant.

    Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris told reporters that the two suspected cases were currently being investigated.

    “Though no confirmed case has been recorded, there is need to sensitise members of the public and provide adequate information on measures for prevention and control of the disease in line with the policy of the State government,” he said.

    Idris said the two suspected cases were recorded in a private hospital which he did not disclose. He added that one of the suspected case just came from Bayelsa State and ate bush meat.

    Idris said the two suspected cases had been quarantined in their various houses pending the result of the investigation.

    The commissioner said in the wake of this outbreak, the state government is reiterating the need for members of the public to observe and maintain a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene at all times as part of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread to the State.

    He urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspected case of the disease to the nearest public health facility or the Directorate of Disease Control in the State Ministry of Health.

    “Also, health workers are advised to practice universal safety precautions in the management of suspected or confirmed cases, wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when attending to cases, wash hands after each contact with patient or contaminated materials while surveillance system must be strengthened.

    “The state government has mobilised the Disease Surveillance Officers in the 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state and health workers in both public and private health facilities have been placed on high alert,” Idris said.

    Idris called on residents of the State to remain calm and go about their businesses without fear as the government had put in place adequate measures to effectively prevent and control the spread of the infection to the State.

    “In case of any suspected case of Monkey Pox, the Lagos State Ministry of Health should be notified through the following mobile lines: 08037170614, 09087106072,” he said

  • Ebola: FG, Lagos seek sanction for Kenya airways 

    Ebola: FG, Lagos seek sanction for Kenya airways 

    The Federal and Lagos State Governments are seeking sanction for Kenya Airways for conveying a dead body from Ebola infested Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, without approval from the necessary bodies.

    This was disclosed Thursday at a joint press conference held in Lagos.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said the Kenya airline conveyed the deceased to Nigeria against the extant regulation.

    He said though the corpse tested negative to the deadly Ebola virus, but it was necessary for proper documentation to have been carried out.

    According to him, “The airline brought the remains of this Nigerian without all necessary documentations that are required to process its clearance by the Department of Port Health Services, Federal Ministry of Health. The Federal Government of Nigeria and relevant agencies condemn this deliberate breach.

    “In line with industry practice, a report has been made to the Nigerian Civil Aviation, the regulatory agency of the Nigerian aviation industry on the occurrence.

    “Necessary steps are being taken by the regulatory authority to sanction the airline in a bid to prevent future occurrence. We have commenced detailed investigation by all relevant agencies of government to determine the immediate and remote intentions of this unfortunate behaviour,” he said.

    Idris emphasized that the Federal Government instituted a ban on the repatriation of human remains into the country in all points of entry as a precautionary measure to avoid importation of any infectious disease, saying that the ban was one of the interventions the nation undertook during the Ebola outbreak.

    He said the Federal Ministry of Health and Port Health Division issued guidelines to all airlines on the procedures to be followed to obtain a waiver before repatriating any human remains into the country.

    “The government will like to reiterate again that the ban is still in force and any attempt to contravene this ban will attract serious sanction. The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari takes the health of her citizens seriously and will not shy away from wielding a big stick on any errant individuals or organisation,” Idris said.

    However, the commissioner said as soon as the dead body was brought in from DRC, the officials of Port Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC and the Lagos State Ministry of Health investigated the cause of death of the remains and took samples for laboratory investigation.

    Idris said the laboratory report showed that there was no evidence of Ebola infection or any other contagious infections on the corpse, while assuring everyone to go about their normal business without any anxiety.

    “Government will want everyone to be vigilant and encourage all our officials at land, sea and air borders to continue screening of international passengers.

    “Government will want to appeal to all our international passengers to cooperate with our officials who are conducting screening at all our borders. This surveillance shall continue until further notice. All international carriers are also enjoined to cooperate with all relevant agencies of government to ensure unhindered surveillance,” he stated.

    A representative of the Minister of Health, Dr. Joshua Obasanya also said a letter of investigation had been forwarded to Kenya Airline to establish why the airline flew a dead body from DRC into Nigeria without the necessary approval.

    He said if it was found that the airline breached the necessary protocols, it would be sanctioned appropriately, saying that the government was waiting for the airline’s response to the letter.

    Also speaking, Dr. Biodun Ogunniyi, Consultant Epidemiologist, NCDC said there is no fresh outbreak of Ebola in Nigeria, saying that government had the wherewithal to deal with any emergent outbreak.

     

     

  • Queens College: Lagos okays resumption of academic activities

    Queens College: Lagos okays resumption of academic activities

    The Lagos State Government has recommended the resumption of students for academic activities at the Queens College, Yaba following satisfactory results from analysis of water samples from all water delivery points in the school.

    State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who disclosed Monday while giving an update on the outbreak of gastroenteritis in the School noted that the school authority in collaboration with the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Old Girls Association and the Federal Ministry of Education had successfully addressed identified areas of lapses by instituting various control measures.

    According to him, the control measures included decommissioning of the multiple contaminated water sources, deployment of a single water source with water treatment, renovation of the dining hall, decontamination of the hostels and overhauling of the sewage system and clearance of the septic tanks. He added that the periodic testing and retesting of water sources will still go on in line with international best practices.

    Idris recalled that while he was giving update weeks back, he mentioned that water samples from one of the multiple water delivery points in the College posed safety and portability concern.

    He however disclosed that this has been addressed as new pipes have been laid.

    He said, “I am delighted to inform you that based on the results of the analysis of the latest water samples collected on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, all water delivery points have been certified to conform to official specifications and I hereby recommend to the School Authority resumption of Students of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos.”

    While restating the commitment of the State Government to guarantee good health of the citizenry irrespective of gender, religious or ethnic affiliations, Idris emphasized the need for the School Authority and appropriate Federal Agencies to supervise continuous screening, follow up and monitoring of all students and staff of the school because of the polymicrobial nature of the outbreak.

    The Commissioner who also revealed that four out of the 25 infected kitchen staff that were treated and retested still harbor some bacteria recommended that the four kitchen staff be made to undergo further treatment, be prevented from handling food and redeployed from the kitchen area.

    He disclosed that since the outbreak of the disease in the school, 40 cases were admitted in various public and private hospitals in the State. He added that 37 cases were discharged after full recovery while the remaining three were unfortunately lost to the disease.

    The Commissioner noted that though no new case of the disease has been reported since the last case was discharged on the 18th of April, 2017, he warned that sporadic cases may still occur due to multi-microbial nature of the disease occurrence.

    Idris however restated the need for the school authority as well as proprietors of schools in the State to ensure strict compliance to personal and environmental hygiene by ensuring provision of safe water, appropriate refuse disposal, conduct of food handlers’ test for kitchen staff and food vendors biannually and continuous monitoring of water and sewage treatment plants and encourage students and all to imbibe the culture of regular hand washing with soap and water.

    “Other pertinent recommendations are contained in report forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Health and the authority of the Queens College”, he noted.

    He also urged them to report unusual disease occurrence to the nearest public health facility or the Ministry of Health.

    While reiterating the regret of the Lagos State Government on the unfortunate incident especially the deaths recorded, Idris commiserated with the families and management of the school on the sad occurrence.

    The Commissioner thanked Lagosians for their support, calmness and understanding during the period urging them to report suspected cases of any disease of public health importance to the nearest public health facility or notify the Ministry of Health on the following numbers: 08037170614, 09087106072, 08023169485, 08052817243, and 08026441681.

     

  • 60,000 benefits from Lagos health mission programme

    60,000 benefits from Lagos health mission programme

    At least 60,000 residents from seven Local Governments (LGs) and 12 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) comprising Ojo, Oto-Awori, Iba, Badagry, Badagry-West, Olorunda, Oshodi, Isolo, Ejigbo, Amuwo-Odofin, Oriade, Ajeromi, Ifelodun, Apapa, Iganmu, Ikeja, Onigbongbo and Ojodu have benefitted from the Eko Health Mission programme.

    The initiative is a medical intervention sponsored by the state government to provide free healthcare services to residents of Lagos across the State.

    State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who spoke Tuesday at official flag-off of the on-going health mission at New City Primary School, Palm Avenue, Mushin, said the Health Mission was in furtherance of his administration’s objective to take health care to the grassroots and underserved areas in the State.

    The governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule explained that the programme was introduced as a strategic initiative and comprehensive medical outreach programme to complement the established healthcare system in the Lagos for the attainment of sustainable development goals.

    He added that the health mission programme will avail residents the opportunity of being screened and managed for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, common ailments, eye diseases and dental problems.

    “I would like to enjoin all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to know their health status and receive treatment from our team of qualified medical personnel. These experts are equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools to provide the appropriate care you need by applying global best practices, ensuring equality and professionalism at all points of contact,” the governor said.

    Ambode while commending members of the Health Mission team for their commitment to the success of the initiative said it was gratifying that beneficiaries of the programme include elderly, pregnant women and people living with disabilities.

    Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, while speaking on the importance of the programme noted that the State Government is continuously finding ways to improve the health status of its ever-increasing population adding that the plan for achieving this was based on the Health Policy thrust of the State which is guided by the noble goal that every Lagosians enjoys unfettered access to qualitative healthcare without any barrier whatsoever.

    Idris disclosed that the strategies adopted in implementing these policies  includes the introduction and provision of various programs that have direct impact on the health outcome of Lagosians stressing that these programs are geared towards promoting health, detecting diseases early and offering treatment and rehabilitation.

    He said the overarching goal now was ensuring that residents have access to Universal Health Coverage adding that the Ministry of Health is working tirelessly to develop and implement strategies, programs, interventions and initiatives to improve the health outcome of all Lagosians.

    “One of these interventions is the Eko Health Mission, which the State Government has used over the years to complement health service delivery in the state. This was put in place, as part of the State Government’s quest to find ways to take healthcare to the grassroots and underserved areas of Lagos State, by addressing pressing health issues of the rural communities in the state”, the Commissioner said.

    While noting the Health Missions are short-term interventions, Idris stated that the programme is geared towards the Strategic Development Plan of ensuring Universal Health Coverage adding that the Missions provide services that take health care to the doorsteps of its citizens at no cost to the people.

    “These health missions are significant because they enable this administration to provide healthcare services to all who come irrespective of their age, gender, socioeconomic status and affiliations”, he added.

    The Commissioner noted the Medical Mission will be carried out across the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs for three-days every week and will end on the June 8, 2017.

     

  • Recession fueling depression, suicide – Commissioner

    Recession fueling depression, suicide – Commissioner

    The current recession in the country has been identified as a factor fueling depression and provoking suicidal tendencies among Nigerians.

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Health Dr Jide Idris stated this while joining the world to mark this year’s World Health Day.

    With the theme: ‘Depression: Let’s talk’, Dr Idris said the on-going recession is a huge concern at a time when joblessness, homelessness, and hopelessness affect so many with the current economic down.

    “Depression was estimated to cost at least US$800 billion globally in 2010 which is a huge loss in economic output all because of mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. The loss globally is in trillions of dollars,” he said.

    He said mental health disorders impose an enormous disease burden in societies globally.

    Dr Idris said: “WHO shows that more than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18 percent between 2005 and 2015. Lack of support for people with mental disorders, coupled with a fear of stigma; prevent many from accessing the treatment that need to live healthy, productive lives.

    “The new cases of suicide in the state have further substantiated that Mental health deserves much higher strategic priority and it is a signal, with an articulate and unified voice behind it. So we must Talk.”

    To this end, the state is working on repealing the existing Mental Health Law to meet with the current global realities. It is collaborating with the Department of Behavioural Medicine, LASUTH, Ikeja; Ministry  of Youth and Social Development, and the Ministry of Justice.

    “We now have a draft of the new Mental Health Bill. The bill is presently at an advanced stage, with renewed efforts, the bill should be presented as an executive bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly,” he stated.

    Dr Idris said with data collected from over 11, 000 adult residents of Lagos State, a study was done and it revealed a rate of clinically significant common mental disorders including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, alcohol and psychoactive substance use disorders and disability.

    “These disorders affect the functioning ability of the affected individual, that are unreported by these individuals and may be unrecognised by attending health workers”, he noted.

    He appealed that people should call these Help lines: 08058820777; or 09030000741 to seek help, ask questions, or report anybody who has tendency to commit suicide because the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.

  • Lagos urges Queens College to delay resumption

    Lagos urges Queens College to delay resumption

    The Lagos State Government has recommended that Queen College delays its resumption till appropriate measures are taken to ensure the safety of the students.
    According to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, the recommendation is necessary to ensure that all the sources of contaminants in the school which had been causing the death of students are properly handled.
     Idris said the source of the problem is contaminated water.
    “Water samples from six sources in the school premises were collected and analysed at Drug Quality Control Laboratory of Lagos State Ministry of Health at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. Another water samples from 10 sources were also collected and analysed at the Microbiology Department of LUTH, Idi-Araba.”
    The commissioner said the results from the two laboratories showed high bacterial content in the water samples from the kitchen, behind dining hall and Queen’s delight, the school water factory. The bacteria range from Coliforms, Escherichia Coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella ozoana and Aeromonas hydrophila.
    He said specimens collected from 40 kitchen staff revealed cysts of Entamoeba histolytica were isolated in the stool of 23 food handlers, Salmonella Paratyphi, the causative agent of Typhoid Fever, was also isolated from three food handlers.
    ” All these out together implies a common source (continuous) outbreak showing repeated or continuous infection from exposure to the infectious agent. Findings from the investigation were consistent with Enteric Fever. The infection was most likely spread through contaminated water sources and infection by food handlers,” Idris. said
    He said it is pertinent to once more enlighten the public on food, water-borne, sanitation and hygiene related diseases.
  • Lagos to begin construction of N49bn Medical Park

    Lagos to begin construction of N49bn Medical Park

    The Lagos State Government Wednesday announced plans to begin the construction of world class Medical Park in partnership with the private sector, expected to cost about N49billion.

    The State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who briefed journalists after the weekly State Executive Council Meeting, said the project is in line with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s commitment to improve healthcare experience and promote medical tourism and excellent healthcare services of international standard in the State.

    He said the project has already been awarded to MEDIPARK International Limited Consortium which comprises of MEDIPARK International Limited, Cleveland Clinics Ohio USA, St. Barnabas Healthcare System New Jersey and American Hospital Management Company Washington DC.

    Idris, who briefed journalists alongside the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Wasiu Anifowose, said the project would be completed in 20 months, while the State Government would only provide the land and the market.

    Idris recalled that the State Government had last year placed adverts in national dailies for Expressions of Interest for a development of a Medical Park aimed at ensuring qualitative healthcare delivery to Lagosians.

    He said 16 companies/consortiums responded to the advertisement, after which an Evaluation Committee was set up in line with State procurement guidelines with individuals comprising both statutorily mandated members and officers invited to lend technical depth to the exercise.

    “It gives me great pleasure to announce that after the receipt of a Certificate of Compliance from the State Public Procurement Agency and a final presentation today to the Executive Council of Lagos State, Approval has been given to MEDIPARK International Limited Consortium which comprises of MEDIPARK International Limited, Cleveland Clinics Ohio USA, St. Barnabas Healthcare System New Jersey and American Hospital Management Company Washington DC to be the developer to construct manage and operate a Medical Park. It is a joint venture arrangement with Ibile Holdings Ltd,” Idris said.

    He said the Medical Park would be sited at the former Lagos State School of Nursing site, spanning over two hectares expanse of land along Awolowo Road, Ikoyi and will serve as a one stop shopping medical experience offering spaces to primary care physicians alongside in-house specialists as well as ancillary services providing a full spectrum of excellent quality high technology cutting – edge medical and diagnostic services to cater for general and specialty medical services tailored to meet the medical needs of Lagosians and Nigerians at large.

    The facility, Idris said would comprise of a central management area, clinic complex, theatre complex and procedure rooms, ward complex, conference and seminar complex medical goods and lifestyle shopping centre, stress management and lifestyle improvement unit, data cabling/integrated IT system, structured landscaping, residential accommodation, staff quarters, hotel, emergency and ambulance service, trauma unit, helipad amongst other things.

    He also said that the facility which be built under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative was a milestone in healthcare delivery aimed at reducing medical tourism abroad.

    Speaking on the yardstick used in selecting MEDIPARK International, Idris said: “You see, 16 companies started the expression of interest. The first step was just to assess their capabilities and we now narrowed them down to 7 companies which later presented proper proposals on the terms of reference we gave them. Based on the assessment of experts, the list was further pruned down to three and later, we arrived at the one which was finally awarded the project.

    “The ultimate goal is that we as a Government believe that health is wealth and there is no amount of investment in the healthcare sector, that can be too much for the good people of this State because the progress of the state in all ramifications is paramount to us,” the Commissioner said.

  • Lassa fever claims first casualty in Lagos

    Lassa fever claims first casualty in Lagos

    The Lagos State Government Friday confirmed two more cases of Lassa fever in the state with one of the victims already dead.

    The development brought the number of Lassa fever cases in the state to three, including the index case at Ahmaddiya Hospital in Ojokoro part of the state.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, Friday said the index case was responding to treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

    The second victim, he said, is a 36-year-old lady; an indigene of Kogi State who was first discovered at Naval Reference Hospital, Ojo on January 18 before she was referred to Mainland Hospital the same day and has since been receiving antiviral medication.

    Idris said Friday that her condition was stable and ambulating.

    The third case, he said, died because he presented late.

    He is said to be a 51-year-old resident of Ilasan Leki and indigene of Edo State.

    He was initially admitted at Divine Medical Centre in Ikoyi on January 12, this year, but died at 2 pm the same day before the result of the laboratory test that confirmed him positive was received.

    His corpse has been kept in the morgue in a leak proof body bag.

    He was to be buried Friday, after due consultations with his family.

    Idris said there were eight negative cases while three others were pending for confirmation.

    He said his ministry had listed 447 contacts of the confirmed cases and 438 (98 per cent) of the contacts were being monitored.

    “The three confirmed cases are not related in terms of source of infections,” he stated.

    The Commissioner said his ministry had requested for more Ribavirin injection and tablets, personal protective equipments (PPEs) and other items from the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Abuja.

    The Commissioner for Environment, Hon Samuel Adejare, said open defecation and dirty environment should be avoided in order to rid the environment of rodents.

    He said: “Cultural change is expected at this point in time. People should learn to live more responsibly.

    “The state, through the Ministry of Environment, will step up its game of environmental laws through the police and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade.”

    The two commissioners said whenever they notice any symptoms of Lassa fever, particularly persistent high fever that is not responding to standard treatment for malaria and typhoid, members of the public and health workers should report to the nearest health facility or call the following lines: 08037170614, 08022234273, 08022241768 08033065303, 08033086660, 08055281442 and 08023169485.

    They enjoined suspected cases or their relatives to report promptly to health facilities because early medical intervention can save lives.