Lassa Fever breaks out in Abia, claims life of FMC resident doctor
A fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in Abia has claimed the life of a resident doctor identified as Ndukwu Chizaram.
Chizaram, according to reports, had earlier attended to an 11-month old baby who was struck by the terminal disease.
She was said to have fallen ill on March 29 and was admitted to a Private ward at FMC Umuahia.
Chizaram was later rushed to Irua Specialist Hospital when the illness got worse. She died on Saturday.
The late doctor was said to have only started working at the public hospital barely a month ago.
Meanwhile, the Abia state Commissioner for Information, Mr John Okiyi, has said that the government and the hospital management had swung into action to check the spread of the disease.
“Abia Government is aware of the reported outbreak of Lassa Fever at FMC, Umuahia. The state Ministry of Health is working with the authorities of FMC to ensure full containment of the disease,” he said.
Okiyi assured citizens that there was no cause for panic, but said all those who had contact with the child and Dr. Chizaram should report immediately to the hospital for further review.
