The outbreak of Lassa Fever has reportedly killed one Ephraim Ogaranya who was admitted at St Vincent Hospital, Igbeagu in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The victim was said to have been admitted with his sibling, Uchechi Ogaranya, at the hospital but the sudden death of Ephraim made Uchechi to be transferred to the South East Virology Center in Abakaliki for further treatment.

The siblings were suspected to be infected by the dreaded Lassa Fever.

Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi, has shut down the hospital with immediate effect.

The governor also directed that all the patients and staff of the said hospital submit themselves to the Virology Center at Abakaliki for comprehensive medical examination.

In a statement issued by hiss Special Assistant on Media, Mr Francis Nwaze, the Governor placed precautionary measures on further escalation of the outbreak.

“The Governor,” according to the statement, “directed that all the family members and close relatives of the above be quarantined at the South East Virology Center, Abakaliki for comprehensive medical examination.

“Also, Governor Umahi has directed that the Ministry of Health under the watch of the Commissioner for Health in conjunction with the Staff of Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki to immediately address all issues relating to the Lassa Fever outbreak including comprehensive examination of all suspects and clean-up of St. Vincent Hospital. Place precautionary Announcement in all media houses in the state on preventive measures of Lassa Fever.”

Governor Umahi further directed that the reports of the progress of the actions of the above directives get to him every two hours.

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