By Dayo Johnson, Akure

AUTHORITIES of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State have denied the outbreak of lassa fever in the institution.

Lassa-fever

Rather it confirmed an “ isolated case of Lassa fever in which a female student was diagnosed of the symptoms but had since stabilised and discharged from the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owo where she was taken for treatment.

It would be recalled that five cases were reported in two council areas of the state last week by the state government.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Samuel lbiyemi, said the rumour of  outbreak of lassa in the institution was not true.

Ibiyemi said the students of the institution had been sent

home on a three-week mid-semester break following the reported case that involved one of the university’s students.

The affected student, according to him, must have contracted the disease from outside the university premises as none of her room  mates and friends screened had the symptoms.

“So what we have in the university is an isolated case of lassa fever and not an outbreak as being rumoured”, the VC stated.

“To allay the fear of parents who have heard the rumour and have been calling the university to ascertain its veracity, management has decided to send the students on three-week mid-semester break.

“This will afford the agitated parents the opportunity to see their children and rest assured that they are safe and sound.

“The break will also enable the university to carry out necessary precautionary measures before the students resume on July 9”.

Ibiyemi added that the teaching staff had been advised to carry out their activities off campus while students are to return to the institution with certificates of medical fitness issued by reputable government hospitals.

He said the university was also collaborating with the FMC, Owo and the state government towards ensuring that the institution and the Owo community are safe.