The outbreak of Lassa fever has hit Ondo State.
So far, eighty-four cases have been recorded in the New Year.
While sixteen of the patients have died, forty-seven others were currently on admission and responding to treatment.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Steven Fagbemi, confirmed this during a meeting with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Local Government Chairmen from Ondo North and Central Senatorial District at the Governor’s Office in Akure.
According to Dr. Fagbemi twenty-one persons had already been treated and discharged.
Also speaking, the leader of the National Center for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr. Yahaya Disu, explained that the Lassa fever cases were recorded in Owo, Akoko South West, Akure South, and Ondo West Local Government Areas.
Corroborating, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro who advised Nigerians to visit hospitals when they notice fever symptoms, said the state government had mapped out strategies to contain the spread of the disease.
Earlier, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had advised local government chairmen in the state to deploy cleaners to markets and public places while the residents should maintain high level of hygiene to curtail the spread of the Lassa virus in the state.
Olorunferanmi Odofin