The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla near Enugu, has confirmed the death of a pregnant Lassa Fever patient at the hospital.
The death, the second Lassa fever death is coming barely one week after the first death from the disease was reported at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, (ESUTH) Parklane involving a 75-year-old woman.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UNTH, Dr. Obinna Onodugo, who confirmed the death in a statement he signed and issued to newsmen in Enugu on Friday said the pregnant woman was brought in as an emergency.
“It is confirmed that a case of Lassa Fever came to UNTH today (30/1/2020) and died at our Emergency and Accident unit.
“We are currently tracing contacts.
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“We are also working with the Enugu State Epidemiology Team and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure that proper measures are taken at the mortuary and to protect staff against new cases.
“The CMAC/DCMACS have procured some other materials needed to keep our staff safe.
“There is no cause for alarm,’’ he said, adding that the hospital has medications for all those who have been exposed directly or remotely.
He cautioned staff of the Teaching Hospital “to be very careful these days and to have a high index of suspicion, while observing universal safety precautions.”
He also urged the staff to privately call his attention when they notice any lapses so they could be addressed.
“May God be with us all as we try to discharge our duties creditably,’’ Onodugo added.
