Delta woman dies of Lassa fever

The Delta Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of a woman who allegedly manifested symptoms of Lassa fever virus.
Chairman of the state’s Primary Health Development Agency, Isioma Okoba, made the disclosure at a media briefing yesterday in Asaba.
“The woman, who is now deceased, is from Umolu community in Ndokwa East local government area; she reportedly took ill on August 18, 2018 and was admitted at the Kwale General Hospital.
“Her condition deteriorated and she was transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, the following day.
“When she was not getting better, we took her samples and sent to the laboratory in Irrua, Edo, for analysis but before the result could come out, she passed away,” Okoba said.
The chairman of the Delta PHDA said when the result of the laboratory analysis finally came out, it was confirmed that the deceased had Lassa fever.
“After the death of the woman, we went to Umolu community and also visited the Kwale General Hospital where the deceased was first admitted to do contact tracing with a view to ensuring the disease is not spread.
“We took her family members into observation as well as the medical officers that treated the woman at the Kwale hospital; two of the nurses that had contact with the woman later developed symptoms of the fever.
“So, we took samples from them and sent it for laboratory analysis in Irrua, where we are still expecting the results.
“Meanwhile, the two patients are currently under medical care and they are responding to treatment, pending the outcome of the test,” Ms Okoba said.
(NAN)\

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