Kaduna confirms new case of Lassa fever

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health on Saturday confirmed it has recorded successfully treated two Lassa fever victims out of the eight confirmed cases on admission in hospitals.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina said in a statement yesterday in Kaduna that the 40-year-old man confirmed to be carrying the disease at the ABUTH, Zaria, is now receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Control Centre. Mohammed-Baloni, and that four of the patients had died.

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According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), she explained that only eight out of the 74 suspected cases reported from Jan. 22, were confirmed to have Lassa fever. “Out of the eight confirmed cases, the first patient had died due to late presentation, while the second and third cases have been cured, affirmed negative and discharged home. However, the fourth and fifth cases were diagnosed after they had died. Similarly, the sixth case had travelled from Ebonyi State and is receiving treatment at the Infectious Disease Control Centre (IDCC).

In addition, the seventh, who is also deceased, had travelled from Kebbi State but died while on admission at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, before being diagnosed. This brings to two the number of confirmed cases receiving treatment at the IDCC at the moment. In view of this, the general public is advised to further ensure that all cases of fevers are tested for malaria before treatment.”

She added that people should report anyone with the Lassa fever disease symptoms, for early treatment. The commissioner also advised residents to continue maintaining high level of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation to avoid contracting the disease. “Kaduna State Ministry of Health is continuing its sensitisation, via radio jingles on preventive measures, active case searches and contact listing to further curtail the spread of the disease. Lassa fever can be treated and it is indeed curable.”