The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lassa fever

  • Ogun records Lassa fever case, shuts down hospitals

    Ogun State government on Thursday confirmed a case of Lassa fever in the state.

    The victim is a 28- year old girl who has been taken to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, for intensive care.

    The state’s Commissioner for Health, Babatunde Ipaye, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    The commissioner said the victim returned from Ebonyi State recently.

    He added that two hospitals where the girl was first treated have been shut down.

    Ipaye said 60 primary contacts at the hospitals have also been placed on 21 days surveillance.

     

     

  • Lassa fever: Nigeria should stop fire brigade approach

    The CEO/founder of a non-profit organization, Disease Control and Prevention Agency (DCPA) Inc., USA,  Dr. Salamatu Mambula has said that Nigeria is not doing enough in the control and prevention of Lassa fever.

    Mambula who stated this in Abuja said it is necessary to engage highly trained epidemiologist in the field of hemorrhagic viral diseases.

    She added that the surveillance systems in the country are not also adequate, hence every now and then there are reports of Lassa fever outbreaks.

    According to her, “currently, Nigeria, uses the fire brigade approach, that is, little to nothing happens until deaths are recorded whereas the country should embark on consistent surveillance and monitoring to prevent outbreaks by implementing known public health methods, that is source, spread and prevention.”

    She said that DCPA, which is run by expert Nigerians in the Diaspora can contribute in assisting Nigeria standardize these public health programs if given the opportunity.

  • Lassa fever: Doctors seek compensation for deceased members

    Lassa fever: Doctors seek compensation for deceased members

    Following the outbreak of Lassa fever in the country that claimed the lives of two of its members, the National Association of Resident Doctors has appealed to Federal Government to compensate the family members of the deceased doctors and other health providers who lost their lives to the deadly disease.

    The dead resident doctors are Dr Living Jamala and Dr Charles Bamidele in Rivers and Osun State respectively.

    Speaking on various issues through an eighteen points resolution contained in a communique, issued at the end of a week-long council meeting held at University College Hospital, Ibadan, the National President of NARD, Dr Muhammad Askira aid as a result of the casualties recorded by the doctors and Health workers, implored government to revisit and review the hazard allowance.

    He noted that this is necessary because the paltry N5, 000 hazard allowance for healthcare providers is grossly inadequate.

    “Government at all levels must enhance the capacity of our healthcare institutions with adequate facilities for containment of any form of disease epidemics. This is because Nigeria has the capacity to put in place adequate measures for prevention, diagnosis and management of almost all tropical illness. “He said

    While attributing the lassa fever scourge to the dilapidating condition of both the primary and secondary levels of health care, Askira noted that the universal applicability in terms of policy guide on issues bordering on clinical governance and remuneration is yet to be attained in all the three levels of care through the three tiers of government.

    He further urged the government to revamp the primary and secondary levels of health care as a measure that will ensure universal health coverage in all dimensions and equitable access to quality healthcare by all Nigerians‎.

    The NARD boss enjoined the federal government to accelerate implementation of the National Health Act without further delay, saying that will not only positively impact on the lives of Nigerians but also improve healthcare legislation and effective quality service delivery in the country.

    He also implored the FG and the National Assembly to promptly intervene in the industrial dispute between her members and the State of Osun government, so as to expeditiously resolve the crises before it escalates into national disharmony.

  • Lagosians and Lassa fever

    SIR: With the recent disclosure by Lagos State Commissioner for Health Dr Jide Idris, that the state government had placed Ahmmadiyyah Hospital, Ojokoro, where the patient with the first Lassa fever virus case was first admitted, under surveillance, Lagos recorded its first official case of the disease. According to Idris, 15 in-patients and other 25 health workers in the facility have been put under observation.  He confirmed that the disease was contacted by a 25-year- old, male, undergraduate student of the Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU) Zaria in Kaduna State. The patient, who complained of fever, sore throats and difficulty in swallowing, was taken to Ahmmadiyyah Hospital from where he was referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

    In view of the huge population and metropolitan nature of Lagos, the state government is making efforts to stem the tide of the disease. Presently, isolation centres had been provided to handle suspected and established cases while enlightenment campaigns through the airing of jingles on Lassa fever on electronic media and the distribution of information leaflets by the Medical Directors of LASUTH and 26 General Hospitals in Lagos State have been stepped up. Similarly, the Mainland Hospital and all other General Hospitals have been placed on the alert where the anti-viral drugs for the management of cases have been made available. Ambulances have been dedicated to respond to referral and transportation of cases.  Also, the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) in all the LGAs in the state have been sensitized on Lassa fever to enhance early detection and prompt reporting of cases. The state government is also collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, Virology Reference Laboratory, College of Medicine University of Lagos and World Health Organisation in the prevention and control of the disease.

     Lagos residents are advised to keep away from rats and report any case of persistent fever to the nearest public health facility. They are to also shun ingestion of foods and drinks infected by the saliva, urine and faeces of infected rats as well as catching and preparing infected rats as food. They should also avoid inhaling small particles in the air contaminated with infected rat urine or droppings. Getting directly in contact with an ailing person’s blood or body fluids, through mucous membranes, like eyes, nose or mouth should also be avoided. Above all, residents should embrace faultless personal and environmental hygiene.

    Early signs include fever, headache and general body weakness, followed by a sore throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea in some cases. After 4 to 7 days, many patients will start to feel better, but a small minority will present with multi-organ involvement. It can affect the gastro intestinal tract causing nausea, vomiting and stooling of blood as well as difficulty in swallowing; cardiovascular system symptoms include hypertension or hypotension as well as abnormal high heart rate and shock. In the respiratory tract, the victim experiences chest pains, cough and difficulty in breathing. The virus also causes difficulty in hearing, meningitis and seizures. Symptoms such as swellings, hypertension, bleeding and shock. Death from Lassa fever most commonly occurs 10 to 14 days after symptom onset.

    All states’ ministries of health and information have a lot to do in educating people who live in high-risk areas as well as those not presently affected about ways to lower the rat populations in their homes which will go a long way in controlling and preventing Lassa fever from gaining ground in the country. With the array of challenges currently facing our beloved country, we cannot afford to treat the outbreak of Lassa fever with kid gloves.

     

    • Bilkis Bakare

    Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

  • Lassa fever: Seek trado-medicine experts, govt urged

    The government should seek the assistance of traditional medicine practitioners to curb the spread of Lassa fever, a traditional medicine practitioner in Ayobo, Lagos State, Chief GbagobiAjele, has said.

    Chief Ajele said curtailing Lassa fever, like Ebola in the recent past, was not beyond the sphere of traditional medicine.

    Speaking with The Nation on Tuesday, Chief Ajele said the disease can effectively be contained with the help of herbal preparations and spiritual atonement.

    He said: “It is unfortunate that Lassa fever is currently ravaging the country and killing people. The solution does not lie in eradicating rats and taking treatment in hospitals butcurtailing its spread because it is an affliction by a deity known as Olode.

    “The affliction usually comes during dry season and only the appeasement of the virulent deity can stop it.To this end, government at all levels must get in touch with traditional medicine practitioners to make necessary appeasement and prescribe potent herbal medicine that can eradicate the disease.”

     

  • Lassa fever: Rivers declare ‘Operation kill all Rats’

    Lassa fever: Rivers declare ‘Operation kill all Rats’

    •One dies in Ebonyi     •Ekiti residents warned against dirty environment

    The government of Rivers State has declared an emergency on Lassa fever. It is tagged ‘Operation kill all Rats’.

    Five persons and a medical doctor have died of the virus.

    The Ministry of Environment declared the emergency to create awareness on the disease and the need to keep rats off homes and environments.

    Commissioner of Health Dr. Theophillus Odagme, who spoke to The Nation yesterday said its sister ministry is undertaking the step to consolidate on the efforts of the Health ministry in the fight against Lassa.

    Odagme said the three suspected cases, which were admitted to the Port Johnson Borokri treatment centre, including a nursing mother and her baby (index case), tested negative and have been discharged.

    He noted that over 400 persons have been placed under watch following the deaths but none has tested positive, even as he was optimistic that if residents keep to the rules, the state might be cleared next month.

    “Last week, three persons were admitted into one of the treatment centres. Two of the patients were referred from private clinics; one is related to a late victim, while the other came from a public hospital.

    “Samples were taken for analysis, but the results came out negative. They were stabilised and discharged for proper treatment of their cases.

    “As at the last count, 403 persons were being monitored but the first set of 60 placed under watch following the index case, have been discharged after completing the 21 days virus incubation period without manifesting any symptom.

    “The contact tracing teams (13 teams) are still on, meeting and monitoring them every day. There is a massive sensitisation going on in markets, churches and mosques to educate residents on the need to improve their personal hygiene and clean their surroundings as preventive measures.

    One person has died of the disease in Ebonyi State. Governor Dave Umahi confirmed the death yesterday in Abakaliki at a town hall meeting.

    He said the deceased, a student, whose identity could not be ascertained, died on Monday.

    The governor directed that residents close to the vicinity of the deceased should be monitored and urged the people to seek proper medical attention should they suspect anything.

    “It may be Lassa fever and if it is detected early, it can be treated than when it reaches an advanced stage when it may be difficult to save the victim.”

    Umahi thanked the Federal Government for donating virology equipment to fight the disease, which he said were being installed and will be put to use soon.

    1.7 million people in Ekiti State practice open defecation, the European Union (EU) Senior Expert on Sanitation, Tope Babalobi, has said. He spoke yesterday during a breakfast programme on the Ekiti Television (EKTV), Daybreak Nigeria.

    Babalobi, who is also the National Chairman of Water and Sanitation Network, urged the people to maintain a clean environment to avoid falling victim of Lassa fever.

    He noted that proper sanitation and good hygienic practices would keep rats and rodents, believed to be vectors of Lassa fever, at bay.

    “Rodents and rats have no business coming to your house if it is clean. Eateries, restaurants, schools, shops, markets must prioritise sanitation.

    “If you manage your waste very well, these diseases will be far. This is a challenge to us as individuals in our homes and business premises,” Babalobi said.

  • FG urged to establish centres to tackle Lassa fever

    FG urged to establish centres to tackle Lassa fever

    Dr Tunde Banuso, a former Chief Medical Director, State Hospital, Ota, Ogun, has advised the Federal Government to establish well equipped medical centres in various hospitals across the country.

    Banuso, who gave the advice in Ota on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that such centres would be useful in checking the spread of Lassa fever.

    He explained that the establishment of effective centres across the country would deal with diagnosis of Lassa fever and reduce the widespread of the deadly disease among the people.

    Banuso said that the Ministry of Health must intensify its efforts in enlightening the general public on how to curb the spread of Lassa fever.

    “The Federal Government and all levels of government need to sanitise the people more as part of control measures to address the spread of the disease,“ he said.

    He, however, implored Nigerians to keep their environment clean as well as keep all their foodstuffs away from rats to check the menace of the scourge.

    The former chief medical director added that people should be willing to report anybody with the symptom of Lassa fever to the nearest medical centre to reduce the number of casualties in the country.

    NAN reports that no fewer than 70 people had been killed by Lassa fever in 17 states since its outbreak in the country.

  • Lassa fever claims first victim in Akwa Ibom

    Lassa fever claims first victim in Akwa Ibom

    •Lagos engages teachers, proprietors
    •FRSC advises officers on outbreak

    AKWA Ibom State government yesterday convened an emergency meeting on how to curtail the Lassa fever, following reports that three persons have contracted the virus, with one confirmed dead.

    The confirmation of the disease puts Akwa Ibom as the 18th state to be affected.

    Commissioner for Health Dr. Dominic Ukpong, told the meeting that the victims were diagnosed with the virus at different locations in the state.

    He warned residents of the imminent health danger posed by Lassa fever and called on them to take precautions against further spread.

    Also yesterday, Lagos Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris enjoined residents to seek medical assistance once they notice any of the symptoms associated with Lassa fever.

    Idris said: “While Ribavin – the drug for treating Lassa fever – is available, its efficacy after five days of contracting Lassa fever cannot be guaranteed. So, it is good to commence treatment promptly once it is confirmed as Lassa fever.

    “The ministry is engaging pupils, students and teachers as change agents, so they can spread to parents, guardians and people at home, the correct message on Lassa fever.”

    He spoke at a sensitisation seminar for teachers of public primary/secondary schools and proprietors of private schools on the disease and infection prevention at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

    Chief Educator, Ministry of Health Mrs. Omowunmi George said the synergy with schools was to ensure the teachers know what to do should any child come to school with abnormal temperature or fever.

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged its officers and men to report any symptoms of Lassa fever to the nearest hospital or health centre.

    The Health Officer, Zone 2, Lagos Headquarters, Dr. Peter Airiavbere, spoke at the in-house meeting for officers of the zone.

    He advised the officers to be on the lookout for any symptom of the disease and report it immediately.

    Some of the symptoms, according to the Dr. Airiavbere, include nasal bleeding, bleeding through the anus and mouth, adding that people usually get infected with the Lassa virus after being exposed to the disease, while personal transmission occurs through contact with infected persons.

  • Lassa fever: Lagos health officers kill 7,243 rats

    The Lagos State Chapter of the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria on Monday said it has killed at least 7,243 rats at eight major markets in the state under its de-rat market programme.

    This came just as the state government urged health officers to intensify safety awareness campaign across the state.

    Speaking at a Workshop for health officers organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, President of the Association, Mr. Samuel Akingbehin, said the killing of 7,243 rats was carried out at Onigbongbo, Oshodi, Oke-Odo, Ikotun Idanwo, Ojuwoye, Mile 12 and Alaba Rago Markets in the state.

    Akingbehin said de-rating the markets was part of the association’s efforts to curb the spread of Lassa fever in the state.

    “The exercise is strategic to our efforts aimed at preventing communicable diseases. We have begun the programme since the outbreak of Lassa fever,” he said.

    While urging member of the public and relevant agencies to de-rat markets, he said the nation can effectively curtail the spread of the disease.

  • Lassa fever kills one in Akwa Ibom

    … Government convenes emergency meeting

    The Akwa Ibom State government on Monday convened an emergency meeting on how to curtail the spread of Lassa fever following reports that three persons had contacted the disease with one already confirmed dead.

    With Monday’s confirmation, Akwa Ibom has become the 18th state in the country to be affected by Lassa fever.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong, who broke the news at the meeting, said the victims were diagnosed with the virus at different locations in the state.

    He warned residents on the imminent health danger posed by Lassa fever in the state and urged the people to take precautionary measures against further spread of the disease.

    Ukpong disclosed that the dead victim, a 53 –year- old woman, succumbed to Lassa fever shortly after she was diagnosed and advised the public to rush to the hospital on suspecting any ailment.