13 still under observation for Lassa Fever in Delta

The Delta state government says only 13 out of the 55 people that had contact with the doctor who died of Lassa fever in the state are still under observation.

In a statement released on Friday in Asaba, Patrick Ukah, the commissioner for information, said the 13 people would be closely monitored for one more week.

Ukah said that 32 people out of the 55 had been declared free of the disease.

“Sensitisation and advocacy to local government areas, Primary Health Care Centres, schools, market places, among others will be intensified to achieve the desired result,” he said

He advised all persons living in the state to keep their environment clean, and cultivate appropriate sanitary behaviours.

Ukah also said that the state government approved the contract for the construction of a major link road to the agrarian communities of Issele-Uku/Onicha-Uku/Ugbodu/Nkwu-Nzu/Obomkpa/Idumu-Ogo roads in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

He disclosed that the first phase of the project would be the completion of the 6.65km length from Idumu-Ogo to Obomkpa.

Nicholas Azinge, commissioner for health, had on August 22 confirmed the outbreak of lassa fever, which claimed one doctor in Asaba, the Delta state capital.

The doctor died at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital  (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra state.

Azinge said the ministry’s surveillance covered all those who had contact with the deceased doctor, and the number rose to 55 over the period.