News reports have revealed that a university lecturer has claimed that Yoruba people are immune to the Lassa virus which causes Lassa fever. Prof. Christian Happi, the researcher, who is also the Dean, College of Postgraduate Studies, Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede,Prof. Happi also stressed that the Yorubas 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.
Source: Pulse Nigeria
