Makuochi Okafo
Appearances
Global News Podcast
Erdogan calls Turkey protests 'evil' as unrest continues
In Ayede Obese Village, a community in Ondo State, Nigeria, Michael Olonete, a 64-year-old resident, is teaching villagers about Lassa fever. He stands under a tree near the local market showing pictures of the symptoms. Michael caught the fever several years ago and now educates others in the community about it.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan calls Turkey protests 'evil' as unrest continues
Michael, who is a church leader in the community, fell sick after visiting a church member who later died of Lassa fever. Determined to fight back, Michael now visits churches, mosques, and markets to spread awareness.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan calls Turkey protests 'evil' as unrest continues
Lassa fever is carried by the multi-mammoth rat and spreads through food contaminated by rat urine or dropping. It also spreads through contact with an infected person's blood, saliva or urine. Most people recover, but Lassa fever can be deadly, especially if it leads to organ failure. The fatality rate is usually around 1%, but during major outbreaks in Nigeria, it can rise above 18%.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan calls Turkey protests 'evil' as unrest continues
At Iroa Specialist Hospital in Edo State, a major lassa fever treatment center in the country, health workers fight to save lives. Some patients need dialysis due to kidney failure. There is no licensed drug, only supportive care to manage symptoms. Professor Oko Benin has spent decades studying the disease and warns of its pandemic potential.
Global News Podcast
Erdogan calls Turkey protests 'evil' as unrest continues
Nigeria is working with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to speed up vaccine development. Mohamed Alepate is the Nigeria's Minister of Health.