Delta: Suspected Lassa fever patient reported in Sapele

From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

A suspected case of Lassa fever was reported in Sapele recently. We gathered that the case was reported on Friday last week when a patient returned from his school in Ekpoma and complained of sudden fever.
His parents then took him to Sapele Central Hospital where it was discovered after investigation that it was suspected to be Lassa fever from the symptoms presented.
The patient had since been taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State for further investigation and treatment.
When our correspondent contacted the Medical Director Central Hospital, Sapele, Dr Ben Ogbimi, he confirmed the story as true and said there was no cause for alarm, saying all precautionary measures were strictly observed at admission to the transfer of the patient to Specialist Hospital, Irrua.
It was also observed that the World Health Organization had sent personnel to Sapele to sensitive and educate people on the menace of Lassa fever as well as the preventive measures.
The patient was also taken to the Specialist Hospital, Irrua but his case has not been confirmed officially.
Dr Ogbimi assured Sapele residents that the two suspected cases came from outside the town and that the hospital was well equipped to handle suspected cases of Lassa fever.
He advised that anyone with abnormal feverish conditions should rush to the Central Hospital for proper attention and such persons should avoid self medication by buying drugs from chemist without doctor’s prescription.