Bauchi has recorded 19 Lassa fever deaths in 2020, says deputy gov

Baba Tela, Bauchi deputy governor, says the state has recorded 19 deaths from Lassa fever since January.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday at the state capital, the deputy governor, who doubles as chairman of the state task force on COVID-19 and Lassa fever, said 48 persons are undergoing treatment.

Tela said the government is creating more awareness among residents of the state on how to prevent the disease.

“It is not as if we have gotten rid of Lassa fever completely in the state. We have not,” he said.

“So far as of week 14 of our campaign, the total number of deaths to Lassa fever is 19 and we don’t have any new case so far.

“We are also following up contacts of about 48 persons. Those 48 have been confirmed and are under medication and they are recovering very well.

“The most important thing again on the issue of Lassa fever is public awareness and that is what we are trying to do, telling the people what to do and what not to do.

“For example, we have been educating people not to touch the body of a relative who dies of the disease because one can get infected by touching the body.

“We understand the pain of losing someone dear to you but people would say the last thing they would do for them is to wash them up in Islamic way and bury them.”

In March, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said the total deaths from Lassa fever in 2020 was 176.