Student dies of Lassa fever in Ebonyi state

An unidentified student has died of Lassa fever in Ebonyi State. The state governor Dave Umahi made this known at a town hall meeting in Abakalili, the state capital yesterday January 26th. Speaking at the meeting, Umahi urged residents of the state to immediately go to the hospital for proper testing anytime they fall ill

 “It may be Lassa fever and if it is detected early, it can be treated than when it reaches an advanced stage when it may be difficult to save the victim.”he said

Meanwhile the Rivers state government has declared "Operation Kill all Rats" in the state after 6 people died from the disease in the state.Lassa fever is a deadly fever transmitted by rats. It can be prevented by keeping a clean environment. Early symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, chills, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, backache, and joint pains. Late symptoms include bleeding from the eyes, ears and nose, bleeding from the mouth and rectum, eye swelling, swelling of the genitals and rashes all over the body that often contain blood. It could progress to coma, shock and death.