Lagos State has recorded its first Lassa Fever epidemic death, a 51-year old man who lived at Ilasa in Eti-Osa Local Government and visited Edo State on December 28 for a wedding.
Although there was no indication where he caught the Lassa Fever virus, the state government said he would be buried after due consultation with his family.
Available statistics said as at January 21, the state recorded 14 suspected cases of the disease and 447 contacts have been traced and shortlisted, out of whom 438 are currently under surveillance.
Three of the suspected cases were confirmed positive of Lasssa Fever. One case was confirmed on January 15 and two others were confirmed on January 18. Eight suspected cases tested negative, results for the remaining three suspected cases are awaited.
A breakdown of the suspected cases and their whereabouts in the state are: 100 in Ifako Ijaiye; 18 in Mushin; 42 in Alimosho; and one in Kosofe; with a sub-total of 160.
Similarly, the number of contacts being monitored and their locations are: 91 in Ifako Ijaiye; 18 in Mushin; 42 in Alimosho; and one in Kosofe; with a sub-Total of 151
Dr Jide Idris, Commissioner of Health, disclosed these figures at a press conference on Friday.
Idris explained that the deceased, a 51-year-old man, as a patient was first admitted to Divine Medical Centre in Ikoyi on January 12, and referred to Mainland Hospital, Yaba, six days later, where he died the same day.
“The dead victim will be buried today after due consultation with the family and has been kept in the morgue in leak-proof body bag,” he said.
Idris said as at January 21, the state has recorded 14 suspected cases of the disease and that 447 contacts had been shortlisted, out of which 437 were currently being monitored.
“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,” he said
He gave the breakdown of the suspected cases as 100 in Ifako Ijaiye; 18 in Mushin; 42 in Alimosho; and one in Kosofe; with a sub-total of 160.
He added that contacts being monitored are: 91 in Ifako Ijaiye; 18 in Mushin; 42 in Alimosho; and one in Kosofe; with a sub-Total of 151
For case the 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 over cases, total figure for both contacts line listed is 447 and contacts being monitored is put at 437,” he said.
Idris also disclosed that Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been established and holds a daily briefing at 6pm in the conference room of the ministry.
-The Cable