Lassa Fever Kills 2 In Ondo

The dreadful Lassa Fever has reached Ondo State and has claimed the lives of two persons there, the Ondo State government has confirmed.

Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, announced the latest development on Tuesday in Akure, the state capital, at a Lassa prevention stakeholders meeting organised for health workers, religious, opinion and traditional leaders in Ondo State.

According to the Commissioner, one of the suspects came into the state from the neighboring Edo State, adding that about 31 persons have been placed under surveillance in order to prevent the spread of the disease across the state.

Adeyanju explained that those under close watch had in one way or another had contact with the two suspects killed by the disease in the state.

He said further that emergency lines have been released to the public in addition to intensified jingles on radio and television, while the outbreak control team at the local government has been re-activated.

He urged religious leaders not to harbour sick persons who manifest symptoms of Lassa but referred them to the nearest hospital for prompt attention.

Lassa Fever has now hit not less than 10 states in Nigeria and has claimed more that 35 lives.

The disease started many years ago in a village called Lassa in Borno State and it is spread by rodents.