Two resident doctors serving at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakiliki, FETHA, Ebonyi State, have reportedly died of lassa fever.
The doctors, Dr Ali Felix, a Resident Doctor in the Department of Community Medicine and Abel Sunday Udo, who was a Resident Doctor in the Department of Otorhinolayngology, FETHA, both died on Sunday.
The incident has generated panic particularly amongst other health workers at the hospital where two of the house officers who participated in the treatment of the deceased and other nurses has been added to watchlist.
The Secretary, Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Ebonyi chapter, Ariom Anthony Ifeanyi, confirmed the development adding that it was an unfortunate development which has thrown the hospital into sadness and panic.
“As we pray for happy rest of these our fallen heroes, let’s pray for the recovery of other critical members and the safety of the entire NMA Ebonyi members."
”In a statement signed by the Secretary of National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, Dr. O.V Nnadi, Udo was said to have died about 4hrs after a tonsillectomy on a lassa fever patient."
The statement in part reads “Ali died in the early hours of Sunday at Irrua Specialist Hospital, Irrua where he was being treated for complications from Lassa fever. We pray God gives you and the immediate families they left behind the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses and may their soul rest in peace. Amen!”
“Meanwhile the House Officer and the nurse that joined him in the surgery are presently on their way to Irrua Specialist Hospital, Irrua,” for tests towards containing spread of the disease.
