The family members of a female medical doctor have been left in a state of mourning after she was killed by Lassa fever.
The late Ndukwu Chizaram (Photo:Instablog)
A female doctor with the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Umuahia, Abia
State has reportedly died from Lassa fever alongside a baby. The doctor
identified as Ndukwu Chizaram reportedly died at Irua Specialist
Hospital in Esan Central Edo state over the weekend.
The death of the doctor at Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo state was
confirmed by the Chief Medical Director of FMC, Umuahia, Dr Abali
Chukwu, but he could not say if she contracted the fever at FMC or a
private hospital.
The deceased doctor, a female, was just less than two months old in
the hospital, having been engaged last February. It was learnt that her
husband also works in the hospital.
Chukwu said that all the persons, who came in contact with the two
victims, have been isolated and being monitored. It was gathered a team
from National Disease Control had arrived the hospital to carry out a
proper investigation and ascertain the index case.
They were still meeting with the management of the hospital as at the time of filing the report.
Meanwhile, Abia State Government has urged the people not to panic
but report any suspected case of Lassa fever to any medical facility in
the State, assuring that the State has deployed an emergency medical
response to instantly ensure full containment and management of the
outbreak.
“Abia State Government is aware of the reported outbreak of Lassa Fever at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Umuahia.
“The state ministry of health is working with the authorities
of FMC to ensure full containment of the disease and prophylactic
treatment of others, who may have come in contact with the victims.
“We have fully deployed all our emergency medical response to instantly ensure full containment and management of the outbreak.
“The Government wishes to call on members of the public to be
vigilant and report all suspected cases to the nearest medical facility
in the State.
“All those, who had contact with the child, suspected to be the
index case, and the medical practitioner, who lost her life, should
report to FMC Umuahia immediately for further review.
“Drugs for treatment of Lassa Fever are available in the State
in good quantities and there is no cause for panic as the disease can be
successfully treated, especially if diagnosed early.
“Members of the public are advised to ensure that they maintain a clean and sanitary environment at all times."
No comments:
Post a Comment