Lassa Fever killed One Doctor In Nasarawa State
Lassa Fever killed Dr Ahmed Isaiah, Doctor at General Hospital Garaku, Kokona Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.
Dr. Peter Attah, Nasarawa State Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (MNA) made the disclosure at a procession by the association on Tuesday in Lafia.
The members of the association had a procession from the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia to the Nasarawa State Hospitality Management Board.
The Nasarawa State NMA Chairman said the Doctor died as a result of hazard related issues specifically Lassa Fever.
He explained that the Doctor died on December 31, 2022 at the National Hospital Abuja after brief illness.
“As an association, we got information when he was already dead, but from our investigation, the sickness started like fever, but he kept working even when he was on treatment.
“While on call on December 24, he collapsed at the theater when carrying out a surgery on a patient and his family had to rush him to the National Hospital for attention, but unfortunately we lost him, Dr Attach added.
READ ALSO: Doctor treating COVID-19 patients in Edo tests positive
He further said that it was after the dead of the Doctor that the sample taken came out and was found positive of Lassa Fever.
Attah lamented that the deceased had to go to work and carry out a surgery even when he was sick because they were only two at the General Hospital Garaku.
“How can only two Doctors handle the entire LGA of over 150, 000 population, the work load is too much.
“The government should employ more doctors and introduce incentives to curtail brain drain in the state,” he added.
He said that the deceased who graduated just five years ago, died in his prime and left behind wife, children and love once.
He also tasked the state government to increase hazard allowances of Doctors and commence the payment of call to duty allowances.
Addressing the association, Egba Edogo, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Hospital Management Board consoled the association over the dead of thier colleague who was a staff of the board.
He said the deceased was highly dedicated to his duty while alive and was good to those that worked with him.
He further said that the board is still shock over the demise and prayed God to give his love once the strength to bear the lost, forgive this shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.
The CMD said that even though the source of the Lassa Fever on the deceased is not yet known, healthcare workers should have high suspicious index on any patient and taka precautionary measure when attending to them.