The management of the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta has shut down the Accident and Emergency Unit to prevent further escalation of Lassa fever, which has claimed two lives, between last Friday and Sunday, in the hospital.
The viral disease is also known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever.
The management as part of steps to forestall the spread of the virus, the management said it had screened all the nurses working in the unit within the hospital and fumigated the whole area.
The Public Relations Officer of the FMC, Abeokuta, Segun Orisajo, disclosed this to journalists in Abeokuta on Wednesday.
Some activities at the hospital had been put on hold as medical personnel and patients deserted the hospital on Tuesday after the death of an assistant nursing officer, Adesuyi Abolanle and a serving corps member, Great Okusaga.
Adesuyi was said to have attended to the corps member who had contacted the virus while working as morgue attendant in the hospital.
Some workers had stayed away from work also on Tuesday when a medical report on the cause of death of Adesuyi done at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, was confirmed to be the Lassa fever virus.
Following the action of the workers in the hospital, the management held a marathon meeting on Wednesday over the outbreak and precautionary measures were reportedly discussed.
Orisajo said the Accident and Emergency Unit had been temporarily shut down for three days in order to effect basic changes.
He said, “In order to forestall escalation of this Lassa fever virus, we have put in place some precautionary measures.
“We have decontaminated and fumigated the place. Nurses have been screened, bedding have been sanitised and by tomorrow or Friday the place will be reopened.
“It is to prevent further escalation of the virus. We have held a meeting this morning and we have told our nurses and doctors on the need for safety awareness.”
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