75-year-old woman dies of Lassa fever in Delta

A fresh Lassa Fever outbreak in Delta State, reportedly left a 75-year-old woman dead. Blood samples of the 75-year-old woman who died at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, the Delta State capital tested positive to Lassa fever virus, at the Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State.Confirming the death of the lady, the Delta State Government disclosed that it has commenced contact tracing of the victim who died on August 29, 2018. Residents of the state were urged not to panic as stated in a statement released by the Delta State Director of Information, Mr Paul Osahor.

 “It hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly residents in Delta State, that a case of Lassa fever has been reported in the state, leading to the death of a 75-year-old woman.

 

“The victim, who took ill, went to the General Hospital, Umuolu, Ndokwa East Local Government Area on 18th August, 2018, was referred to the Central Hospital, Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA the following day, 19th, and from there was further referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba on 24th August, 2018.

“At the FMC, Asaba, the victim’s blood sample was taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State for test but unfortunately she died on the 29th August, 2018, the same day the hospital in Irrua received the lab result which was confirmed positive for Lassa virus” the statement read.