By FG Responded Promptly To Outbreak Of Lassa Fever In Ebonyi – Health Minister, Adewole
Health Minister, Professor Isaac Adewole has revealed that the Federal Government responded swiftly to the outbreak of Lassa fever in Ebonyi State.
Professor Adewole disclosed that the FG through its various Health Agencies responded immediately they notifications were sent to them on the outbreak.
A statement signed by the Minister’s Media aide, Mr Kazeem Akintunde, stated thatthe Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which is an agency of the Federal Ministry of Health was in Ebonyi State, 48 hours after news about the outbreak got to the media.
Prof Adewole said he personally called the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki for a detailed briefing after the outbreak.
The statement reads; “We are here to assist states having challenges; it is the duty of the relevant state’s government officials to alert us promptly if there were health challenges in their state. In the case of Ebonyi State, I was the one that called the CMD on phone, he did not call me. Again, the NCDC emergency team moved to Abakaliki 48 hours after we learnt of the outbreak.
“What happen was that many of our doctors will start treating for Malaria Fever which is okay but after three days and there is no positive response to treatment, they should think Lassa fever. But they would wait endlessly before taking any prompt action.
“I will always plead with state government officials to think Lassa fever first so that prompt treatment could be carried out as early as possible. They should also embark on enlightenment campaign to educate their people on the danger of Lassa fever and how to guide against it.
“I have also personally visited the state to see things for myself and to see what further measures we need to put in place to tackle the menace,
“Once again, let me reiterate that the Federal Government is ready to support any state government that calls for our help. We need information on time to act promptly. We commiserate with those who lost their loved ones during this avoidable outbreak,” he stated.
Adewole also admonished Health workers to always adhere to universal precaution when handling all patients, including equipment. He also added that high index of suspicion for every sick patient.
