As unbelievable as this may sound, a university lecturer has claimed that Yoruba people are immune to the Lassa virus which ultimately causes Lassa fever.
Prof. Christian Happi, 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 Yoruba people are “imported.”
According to The National Mirror newspaper, Prof. Happi, who is also Director, World Funded African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, ACEGID, had also revealed that the Lassa fever virus had originated from Nigeria about 1,060 years ago.
He carpeted the federal government over her ‘lackadaisical attitude’ in experimenting several products made by Nigerian scholars to tackle series of challenges affecting the growth and development of the country.
According to him, despite the huge amount the country spent on the discoveries on Ebola virus by the institution, they remained unexplored by government and relevant institutions.
While also condemning the policy of TETFUND, which only support researchers in public tertiary institutions, even when private universities have maintained lead in research findings across the globe over the years, Professor Happi said if adequately funded, private universities are capable of living beyond expectations of Nigerians in the area of research work.
Prof. Happi stressed that the Yoruba’s have the capacity to resist the virus more than any other ethnic group in Nigeria.
Speaking on new research findings, Prof Happi went on to say that it had been discovered that Ribavirin which is currently being used in the treatment of lassa fever had not been designed for the disease. He added that the drug would only be effective if administered during the early phase of the infection.