Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has announced the death of one confirmed Lassa fever victim at National Hospital Abuja. He made the announcement yesterday evening at the National Hospital Abuja.

The minister called on health workers at all levels to be more vigilant and look out for patients with symptoms of Lassa fever.

He directed that all primary and secondary contacts of the victim should be tracked, including the staff of the private hospital in Kubwa, 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.
Prof. Adewole, 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.

He identified the symptoms to include high fever, stooling, tiredness and vomiting, etc., adding that self-medication should be avoided at this period.
The Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Jack Momoh, briefed the minister during his visit to the National Hospital. He said that the patient was brought in unconscious from a private hospital in Kubua where he was admitted for eight days.

The 33-year-old newly married lived in Jos, Plateau State, but came to see a family member in Kubwa because of his illness but died within 24 hours 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).
•Photo shows Health Minister, Prof. Adewole.