Lassa fever hits Abuja as Benue begs against rat delicacy

A 33 year-old newly married man (name withheld) who lived in Jos, Plateau State but travelled to see family members in Kubwa, Abuja has been recorded as the first victim to die of Lassa fever in the federal capital territory.

Minister of Health Isaac Adewole, made the announcement Wednesday evening at the National Hospital Abuja, the press director, Boade Akinola, at the health ministry, said in a statement.

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According to the medical director of the hospital, Jack Momoh, who briefed the minister, the patient was brought in unconscious from a private hospital in Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja, where he had been admitted for eight days.

Meanwhile, Gov.Samuel Ortom of Benue, has advised residents and indigenes of the state to suspend eating rat delicacies until the lassa fever outbreak in the country is contained.

While speaking with State House Correspondents in Abuja, the governor said the state has recorded one case of infection while also adding that the spread of the disease is under control.

“Benue is affected; we have one case right now that is under control.

“We have advised our people; rat which is a major carrier of the virus, is a delicacy.

“I am finding it difficult but I have told them to suspend eating rats now until further notice,’’ he said.

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