Nigeria’s oil rich state confirms first case of Lassa fever

LAGOS, (Xinhua) -- Nigeria’s oil rich southern Delta State on Monday announced that it had confirmed the first case of Lassa fever in the state.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health Churchill Oyewo disclosed this in a statement made available to Xinhua in Asaba, the oil rich state capital.

The index case occurred after a 65-year-old woman from neighboring Anambra was admitted at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Asaba, Oyewo added.

According to him, the woman was referred to Federal Medical Center (FMC), Asaba, when her condition worsened.

The case was later confirmed as Lassa fever at the Virology Laboratory, Specialist Hospital, Irrua, Edo.

The state Rapid Response Team immediately placed 22 persons who had contact with the woman on surveillance, following the discovery.

He said five other samples had been sent for laboratory investigation, adding that the ministry had informed the Federal Ministry of Health of the development.