Lassa fever: Fear grips Abuja residents as FG confirms outbreak of disease in Abuja, one death recorded; House of Reps reacts

The fear that has gripped Nigerians over the outbreak of Lassa fever has spread to the nation’s capital, Abuja with the announcement by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, of the death of one confirmed Lassa fever victim at National Hospital, Abuja.
This is as the House of Representatives, following the adoption of a motion by Hon. Chike Okafor, Chairman, House Committee on Health, directed the Federal Ministry of Health, National Center for Disease Control and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts toward eradicating the Lassa fever, which has so far claimed the lives of over 41 people.
The Minister, who announced the death from Lassa fever at the National Hospital Abuja Wednesday evening also called on Health workers at all levels to be more vigilant and look out for patients with symptoms of Lassa fever.
He also directed that all primary and secondary contacts of the victim should be tracked including the staff of the private hospital in Kubua where the deceased was first managed for one week and subsequently became unconscious before referral to National Hospital.
He also advised that family members should report at the nearest hospital if anyone has fever for more than two days.
The Minister, however called on the residents of Abuja not to panic but to maintain high level vigilance and present themselves for test if they feel unhealthy or they feel symptoms of Lassa fever which include high fever, stooling, tiredness, vomiting, etc., adding that self-medication should be avoided at this period.
The Medical Director of the Hospital Dr Jack Momoh who briefed the Minister during his visit to the National Hospital, said that the patient was brought in unconscious from a Private Hospital in Kubua where he was admitted for 8 days. The 33 year old newly married man lived in Jos Plateau but came to see a family member in Kubua because of his illness. He however died within 24hours of presentation at the National Hospital.
The latest death from Lassa fever brings the total number of deaths to 43 in the country (from 10 states).
Concerned about the spread of the disease, the House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, ensure adequate provision of funds to tackle the disease.
The House’ motion, titled: “Urgent need to stop the embarrassing outbreak of Lassa fever virus in Nigeria and the need to step up the fight against further spread and loss of lives,” was, upon adoption, referred to the joint committee on health services and health institutions.
Hon. Okafor had noted that the deadly disease which has so far infected over 93 Nigerians has spread to Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Gombe and Oyo States, stressing that there was need to take deliberate actions aimed at containing it.
The disease currently has no cure for its virus, and according to Hon. Okafor, “ the House is worried that since the outbreak of this killer virus with the rate at which it has spread into 10 states in the country, citizens of the country have continued to live in fear. We are aware of the measures and interventions of the Federal Ministry of Health to contain this outbreak and the need for all Nigerians, stakeholders and relevant agencies to get involved in creating awareness in the fight to stamp out this killer virus in Nigeria.
“The House is concerned that about 80% of people who become infected with Lassa fever virus have no early visible symptoms as the incubation period of the virus ranges from 6-21 days and symptoms at this stage include: high fever, vomiting, back pain and bleeding. Death usually occurs within 14 days of obvious signs in fatal cases,” Okafor noted.