By Prince Musa in Kenema
Health authorities in Kenema District say 11 nurses quarantined over fears of infection with the Lassa Fever virus have shown no symptom of the disease after seven days.
The isolated nurses work at the Kenema Government Hospital where they came in contact with a woman who later died from the hemorrhagic fever disease.
Lassa Fever is a deadly viral disease with symptoms like those of Ebola. Kenema and its surrounding districts are thought to be endemic to the virus which is carried by a certain species of rats.
The woman, Beindu Fofana, had been referred to the hospital on July 17 heavily pregnant. Hospital officials said she developed fever while under treatment. She then went into labour.
After delivery, Ms Fofanah began bleeding profusely, and tests carried out came back positive for Lassa Fever. The woman later died but the baby survived.
Dr Prince Masuba, Medical Superintendent in Kenema, told Politico on Tuesday that neither the nurses nor the baby has shown any sign of infection after seven days in quarantine.
The hospital management said it has received support from its partners in the form of food for the isolated nurses and their families.
Joseph T. Kamara, secretary at the Kenema Government Hospital, said the hospital had since sent a surveillance team to Nyiama Village, Njawai chiefdom in Kailahun District, where the woman came from.
© Politico 27/07/16
