LUTH Refutes Reports of Suspected Case of Ebola

The Management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi- Araba, on Monday refuted claims that two Chinese nationals allegedly infected with the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) died in the hospital.

Chris Bode, acting Chief Medical Director of the hospital, debunked the rumour at a news conference in Lagos.

Bode, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard what he called ‘the mischievous rumour’ as no such incident happened in the hospital.

However, according to a social media report, two foreigners who were allegedly infected with Ebola were brought to LUTH on Sunday, April 12 but subsequently died.

Bode said that the management of LUTH would continue to maintain the required vigilance, to prevent the resurgence of the disease.

 “We shall continue to observe all precautions to quickly identify any likely cases of Ebola, in line with international best practices. We have combed our records at all points of entry in LUTH for the past two weeks and have no such incident to report. Our professionals at the Emergency Services, various lines of respondents to such events, laboratories and nurses, all reported that no such case occurred  in our hospital,’’ he said.

Bode described the rumour as reckless and malicious and condemned whoever and wherever it originated from.

He noted that if left unchallenged, such falsehood was capable of undermining the glorious works and enormous sacrifices made by the Federal Government, State Governments and various stakeholders.

“Many sung and unsung heroes and heroines sacrificed to rid Nigeria of the dreaded disease and won our nation many international accolades. Such rumour is very reckless and also has grave implications for Nigerians travelling outside the country, and may negatively impact on the sub-regional economy, especially in this critical phase,’’ he added.

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