Lassa fever spreads in Lagos as 1 dies, 14 cases recorded [DETAILS]

Lassa fever, which broke out in Lagos state about a week ago, appears to be spreading with increased intensity.

Thus far, the state government has confirmed the death of one of the three confirmed cases of Lassa Fever.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris said the deceased would be buried today, while adding that 14 suspected cases of Lassa Fever have been recorded as at January 21.

Idris said: “Three of the suspected cases were confirmed positive of Lasssa Fever. One case was confirmed on January 15 and two cases were confirmed on January 18. Eight suspected cases tested negative, while we are awaiting results for the remaining three suspected cases.”

“The dead victim will be buried today after due consultation with the family and the body has been kept in the morgue in leak proof body bag.” Giving breakdown of the Lassa Fever cases in Lagos, he said the first confirmed case was at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and listed the contact line as follows; Ifako Ijaiye; 100, Mushin; 18, Alimosho; 42 and Kosofe; one with a sub-total of 160.

The contacts being monitored are; Ifako Ijaiye- 91; Mushin – 18, Alimosho- 42; Kosofe- 1, with a sub-Total of 151. For case two at Mainland General Hospital, the contacts line listed is Eti-Osa- 66 and the contact line being monitored is at Eti-Osa- 66, with a sub- Total: 66.

“Case three, Mainland General Hospital, the contact line listed is at Amuwo: 220 and the contact being monitored is at Amuwo: 220, Sub-Total: 220. The total figure for both contacts line listed is 447 and contacts being monitored is put at 438.”