Abiodun Onafuye/ Abeokuta

The second victim of Lassa fever in Ogun state who has been at the isolation centre at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching hospital, OOUTH, Sagamu has been reported dead.

The 38 year-old pregnant woman was  about completing her 21 day isolation period before she gave up the ghost.

Also,all the 216 contacts linked to the victims since the outbreak of Lassa fever in the State, who have been under surveillance were certified free by the hospital and the State government.

The State Commissioner for Health,  Dr. Babatunde Ipaye made this disclosure while speaking  on Monday.

He also declared that the State is presently free of Lassa fever.

Ipaye expressed regret over the death of the pregnant woman,saying that,no man has the power to stop whatever God has ordained.

The Ijebu Igbo born medical practitioner disclosed that the identified categories of contacts were monitored for the period of 21 days before releasing them to their family members after they have been certified Lassa fever free.

According to him, “a total of 139 contacts were linked to patient Eze, 55 contacts with the 38 year old pregnant woman and 22 additional contacts at Ketu Adieowe in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State to a victim who later died in Port Novo, Benin Republic have all been certify free according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

“The update on Lassa fever issue was made necessary in order to inform the general public and the good people of the State not to panic, but keep maintaining high profile personal hygiene, keep rodent out of the house and keep all food items well covered.

“Members of the public also have to report to the nearest General Hospital any fever symptoms that has refused normal malaria treatment for at least, 3days.

“The present administration led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun would leave no stone un-turn at providing good health care services to the good people of Ogun State”, Ipaye stated.