The Ogun State Government has equipped the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital,(OOUTH) Sagamu and General Hospital, Iberekodo as Isolation Centers with medical gadgets to prepare health workers for possible outbreak of Lassa fever in the State.
The State Commissioner for Health, Babatunde Ipaye, while monitoring the facilities and equipment at the General Hospital, Iberekodo, said the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun , has directed that three Isolation Centers be made available in case the State records any outbreak of Lassa fever.
According to Ipaye ‘’Thermometers, and Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) that contains hand gloves, goggle, face mask, footwears and coat wears have been made available to two out of the three centers, while training and re-training on usage of the equipment would also be organized on regular bases across the 20 Local Government areas.
He said the State Government had provided a proactive response in a way to keep the entire Population of Ogun State safe and protected against the disease, saying that Disease Surveillance Officers (DSOs) had been drafted to all border entries that are close to the affected neighbouring States to monitor and report possible cases to the appropriate quarters.
“Presently as I speak no confirm cases of Lassa fever in Ogun State, the 19 suspected cases including that of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) student has been proved to be negative. Also, i want to use the opportunity to call on the citizens to be calm and quickly report to the nearest General Hospital Malaria that has denied all Anti Malaria treatments, bleeding from all sensitive parts of the body and chest pain for treatment’’ Ipaye said
The Commissioner advised members of the public to maintain high personal hygiene and contact the following hot lines for Lassa fever; 09099140121, 09099140122 or call the State Epidemiologist on 08033591033 and 08034214893.
Rasaq Ayinla
