Lassa fever kills NYSC member in Cross Rivers

A member of the National Youth Service Coprs NYSC, Onwuegbuzie Stanley-Samuel, who was serviving in Cross Rivers state, has died of Lassa fever disease at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) Thursday May 12th. This was disclosed today by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong.

Speaking to newsmen in Calabar Friday, Achibong said the deceased who hailed from Delta state and was serving in Obubra community in the state, was first admitted at the General Hospital, Obubra where he was treated for cerebral malaria for one week. The commissioner added that the deceased's condition got worse and he was referred to the UCTH for further treatment while his blood sample was taken to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo for diagnosis.

“The incident started about two weeks ago in Obubra and we all know that the incubation period of Lassa fever is 3-21 days. 

The deceased is an indigene of Delta State. The last time he travelled to his home in Lagos State was during the Christmas period in December 2016 and came back to Cross River in January 2017. 

The deceased was living in the corps members’ lodge in Obubra and since he came back in January, he has not left that community. 

Unfortunately, we finally lost him yesterday. Sadly, the corps member contracted the disease in Cross River” she said