A strange killer disease that has wrecked havoc in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area in Lagos state has been identified by epidemiologists and linked to measles.
This disease has killed nothing less than 25 children aged between the ages of eight to 72 months in the community of the most recent been a case of a mother who lost three of her children to this strange disease. During the weekend, vanguard visited her home in the heart of the community called as Ikate Waterside.
Dr. Jide Idris, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, described the disease as a fatal febrile rash illness which struck without warning.
Researchers at the conclusion of their findings into the cause of the outbreak, said that certain markers in the blood sample that was collected from patients showed activities of measles virus.
Dr Jide Idris, after announcing the findings on Monday, said that traces of bacterial were found in the water samples as a result of “serious” poor environmental issues in the community.
Different test have confirmed that there is a marker in the blood that shows active activities of the (measles) virus in that community. This has to do with environmental hygiene at that area. – he said.
He further stated that the area had no water system or sewage system among others and that if it was actually planned for people to live in it, then they will at least have a primary health care centre in the minimum.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, efforts are in works to conduct mapping if all slum areas in this State to prevent further reoccurence. – he said.
