LAGOS STATE GOVT,PLACES RESIDENTS ON RED ALERT BECAUSE OF LASSA FEVER.

               The Lagos State Government on wednesday said it was doing everything possible to defeat the deadly Lassa fever like it did during the outbreak of Ebola virus,just as it urged residents of the state to be on red alert by embracing personal and environmental hygiene.The government also advised residents to block all holes in their homes through which rats could gain entrance,and also refrain from eating rat meat as well as any food already contaminated with urine,saliva and faeces of infected rat.While briefing journalists on the update of the Lassa fever cases in the State,Commissioner for Health,Dr.Jide Idris,confirmed that so far,the state has recorded 20 suspected cases,out of which 14 tested negative,while 4 cases were confirmed positive.Idris,who addressed the media alongside the Commissioner for Informtion and Strategy,Mr.Steve Ayorinde and Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Healthcare,Dr.Olufemi Onanuga,said three results were still being awaited,while 537 contacts have so far been listed,out of which 534 were currently being monitored.He disclosed that the last confirmed case was a 27 year old lady who travelled to Edo state on December 24,2015 and returned to Lagos on January 2,2016.The Commissioner said the lady,who reportedly travelled for burial of her relative,became ill on January 14,2016 and received care in one private hospital andd three churches before she was referred on January 23,2016 to Ijede General Hospital with fever,vomiting,diarrhea and body weakness.He added that the patient eventually died within few hours of admission,while she would be buried after due consultation with her family.Out of that case alone,the Commissioner said 90 persons have so far been listed as contacts as at January 26,2016,while contact tracing is currently on-going.One more photo below.