Lassa Fever: Osun Govt Cautions Against Panic

The state government of Osun has insisted that there is no reason for any citizen of the state to panic, saying there is no outbreak of Lassa fever in any part of the state.

It said there has not been any report about the disease by the state medical officials who are observing patients in hospitals.

In a statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Adelani Baderinwa said what has been reported was an isolated death case of a young man who came from a neighbouring state.

He said, the young man who was suspected of carrying Lassa fever disease from the neighbouring state died at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife.

According to him, “As a proactive measure, the medical personnels had to quarantine those who had come in contact with the strayed deceased for observation. This is a normal medical procedure, and does not mean the quarantined people are possibly carrying Lassa fever disease.

“As at today, there has not been any other confirmed Lassa fever case except that of the young man from a neighbouring state that died at the OAUTHC

“All necessary steps to prevent the outbreak of this disease or any other one in Osun had been proactively taken. Filth and dirt’s are been regularly taken care of, while medical personnels had been on red alert to ensure that any unexpected disease outbreak is contained.

“As far as prevention is concerned, Osun government has been proactive while all curative efforts are already set in place.

“We urge people to make sure that their environment is clean and that they keep their foodstuffs away from rodents.

“The government urges the people not to panic, as there is no spread of Lassa fever in the state”, the commissioner stressed.