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

The 38-year-old pregnant woman was about completing her 21-day isolation period before she died.

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 with our Correspondent.

He also declared that the state is now 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.

He said the identified categories of contacts were monitored for the period of 21 days before they were released to their family members after they have been certified free of Lassa fever.

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. They have all been certified 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 rodents 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 have refused normal malaria treatment for at least three days.

“The present administration led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun would leave no stone unturned at providing good health care services to the good people of Ogun State.”