No Ebola in Ogun, just an ulcer patient, says Soyinka

Abiodun Onafuye, Abeokuta

Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Olaokun Soyinka has debunked rumours making the rounds that the deadly Ebola Virus has infected a resident of the state.

In a statement signed the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, copy which was made available to our correspondent Wednesday morning in Abeokuta, the Commissioner described the rumour as false in its entirety, calling it “total misinformation”.

There were reports in some national dailies, that the disease was reported yesterday at the state General hospital, Ijebu Ode in Ijebu Ode local government area of the State.

“I want to correct and set the records straight concerning some misinformation regarding a case that was reported to the Ogun State Ministry of Health early on Tuesday October 14 concerning a male patient admitted to an Ijebu Ode Hospital.

“On receipt of the information, our rapid response team was dispatched to investigate and the patient was rapidly given the all clear. He is a known peptic ulcer patient who had some bleeding and also tested positive for malaria. He has been treated and his symptoms are resolving,” the commissioner stated.

Soyinka, who commended the private hospital concerned, said they acted responsibly in reporting to the authorities.

“We investigate such cases on a regular basis, and most often once assessment is completed, the all clear is given without raising fears and causing unnecessary public concern,” he asserted.

The Commissioner stressed that in line with best practices, and as ably demonstrated by Lagos state recently, full disclosure remains the best protection against spread of the virus, adding that, “information needs to be made public and will be done so immediately and fully. In this case, there is absolutely no cause for alarm,” he added.

Soyinka also assured citizens of the state that the governor, Ibikunle Amosun has facilitated all necessary precautions and has ensured that the state health authorities are able to remain on full alert, even as
the epidemic continues to spread in West Africa.