Read what a university lecturer says about the yorubas

A university lecturer has claimed that Yorubas are immune to Lassa fever.

Prof. Christian Happi, researcher, who is also the Dean, College of Postgraduate Studies, Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, revealed that the research was still ongoing and the reason for the immunity is yet to be discovered.

Prof. Happi also added that the few cases of Lassa fever recorded among Yorubas are “imported.”

According to National Mirror, Prof. Happi, who is also Director, World Funded African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, ACEGID, had also shown that the Lassa fever virus had generated from Nigeria about 1,060 years ago.

Prof. Happi stressed that the Yoruba people have the capacity to resist the virus more than any other ethnic group in Nigeria.

Also, according to the prof, it had been discovered that Ribavirin which is presently being used in the treatment of lassa fever had not been designed for the disease.

The Prof added that the drug would only be effective if administered during the early phase of the infection.