Lassa fever: Death toll rises to four

The death toll in the Lassa Fever outbreak in Ebonyi State has risen to four, Commissioner for Health Daniel Umezuruike has said.

One hundred and thirty-nine persons are under surveillance.

Schools have also been shut as the government scrambles to curtail the disease.

Umezurike, who addressed reporters yesterday, said nine cases have been confirmed while three are at critical stages of treatment.

Two among the three under treatment were a mother and child.

His words: ”At present, the state has nine confirmed cases, four deaths and three others on treatment, including 139 persons now under surveillance.

“Also, a mother has been confirmed positive and is being treated. We have three patients undergoing treatment and all are doing well.”

Umezuruike, however, assured resident that the government is on top of the situation.

Commissioner for Education, Prof John Eke, in a statement by the ministry’s spokesman, Uche Nkechi, said the decision to close all schools was taken after a woman tested positive to the disease yesterday.

The statement reads: “In view of the fact that a mother tested positive to Lassa Fever, and she has children in the schools within the state, the Commissioner for Education hereby directs that all public and private schools be shut till January 26.

“Parents and guardians are advised to restrict the movement of their children at home.”

 

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