A housewife, whose name could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, suspected to be carrying Lassa virus has reported herself at the Ladoke Akintola Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
The patient was however immediately moved to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo for further observation and treatment.
Sources in LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, who pleaded not to be named said the woman turned herself in at the hospital on Wednesday.
They said the patient, while being interviewed, said one of her children was already down and was receiving treatment for a disease she did not know.
She however added that through sensitization campaigns on Lassa Fever by Osun State Government, she heard of symptoms that sufferers of the disease would manifest, adding that she was already showing those signs.
Public Relations Officer of the Hospital, Ayodele Adeyemo, in a chat with newsmen also confirmed that a patient reported herself at the hospital on Wednesday.
Giving further details about the incident, Osun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, explained that the patient, though an indigene of Osun, was not resident in the state.
He said she was moved to the holding center at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo for further examination and treatment.
Meanwhile, Osun state government on Thursday assured that they will redouble their effort in creating awareness for the public on health-related issues.
Addressing newsmen on the Neglected Tropical Diseases, in Osogbo, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Isamotu, said despite threat posed by these diseases, there had not been enough enlightenment to the general public.
Isamotu said, “a research carried out within the state in 2014, some local government areas in Osun are said to be endemic for some of these NTDs such as Schistosomiasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis and Soil-transmitted helminths.
“Although several efforts for treatment have been embarked upon, but this is a challenge to us as a government, as our effort has not been enough.”
He then assured that Oyetola’s adminstration would redouble its effort in creating awareness for the citizens.
