UNIBEN denies death of student from Lassa fever

The authority of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), has denied the rumoured death of a 300-level Engineering student of the institution from Lassa fever

Michael Osasuyi, the institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), made the denial on Monday in Benin in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“We have not received reports from any health centre or any parent to confirm that a student of the institution died from such illness.

“The false rumour which is fabricated is intened to cause pandemonium in the institution should not be believed,” he said.

He said that the institution had already taken measures to prevent the spread of the disease within the school and its environs.

“The Vice Chancellor has earlier set up a committee to sensitise the community housing the institution on the disease, it’s mode of transmission, prevention and control.

“Plans are being made to provide flowing water and washing bowls at strategic locations within the school,” Osasuyi added.

Dr Osamwonyi Irowa, the Director, Disease Control, Edo Ministry of Health, told NAN that there was no reported case of death from Lassa fever from UNIBEN.

He added that such case was not recorded by the ministry or the Lassa fever research institute in the state.

“We were not informed about the incident; no case of death from the disease was recorded in health centres within the state or from the Lassa fever research institute at Irrua.

“Even if anyone dies, it can’t be Lassa fever that killed the person. They should find out what killed the person, he said.

Efforts by NAN to speak with the President, UNIBEN students’ union government as at the time of filling this report proved abortive as he refused to pick calls put across to his cell phone

NAN