NMA: Lassa fever killed two doctors in Oyo within 72 hours

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo state branch, says it lost two of its members to Lassa fever within 72 hours.

According to NAN, Ayotunde Fasunla, its chairman, said this on Thursday in a statement.

“The NMA announces, with deepest regret and sorrow, the demise of two of her members from Lassa Fever,” the statement reads.

“The tragic deaths occurred within a space of 72 hours. It is indeed a sad week, and our eyes are still soaked in tears.

“While we thought that COVID-19 had done its worst, we are now dealing with another onslaught of a Lassa fever outbreak.

“Furthermore, we are worried about other health workers who have had contact with the diseased unknowingly. We have advised them to quarantine and report if they develop any symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever.”

Fasunla said the NMA has appealed to its members to treat all febrile illnesses with a high index of suspicion.

He said the association had also instructed its members to be cautious and vigilant at all times.

“Not only for the sake of their health and safety, but also in the interest of the patients and public health,” the statement reads.

“Members, especially the frontline doctors and other health workers, must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) at all times.

“We appeal to management of health institutions in the state to make PPEs readily available, as well as soap and running water for handwashing immediately after attending to patients.

“This is to protect our members and other healthcare workers from contracting transmissible infections.

“We appeal to the Oyo State Government to conduct intensive surveillance and sensitisation on Lassa Fever outbreaks in the affected communities as well as across all local government areas in the state.

“We commiserate with the families of our colleagues who lost their lives in the course of performing their professional duties to the service of humanity. May their gentle soul rest in peace.”

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Nigeria recorded 450 cases of Lassa fever and 86 deaths as of February 20. Of this number, Oyo accounts for 13 cases and one death.