Lassa fever ‘deadlier than COVID-19’

Rilwanu Mohammed, chairman of Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BASPHCDA), says Lassa fever is deadlier than COVID-19.

Mohammed said 41 persons have died of Lassa fever from January to date in the state.

According to him, an infected case, if reported early, has greater chances of treatment and recovery.

The PHCDA boss explained that a case of COVID-19, if reported early, has a greater chance of getting treatment and recovering, but most cases of Lassa fever were reported late, hence, the high number of deaths.

According to him, these cases are reported too late and especially when the infected patient starts having a fever and bleeding.

“We just recorded another two deaths resulting from Lassa fever. This has brought the total number of deaths as a result of Lassa fever to 41,” he said.

“Coronavirus has been with us since 23rd of March this year, however, we have only recorded three deaths as a result of the virus.

“Now we have 41 people who have lost their lives due to Lassa fever in contrast to three people who have lost their lives to coronavirus.

“Most of the coronavirus cases reported early have greater chances of recovery compared to people with Lassa fever.”

He said the state government has intensified training of staff on how to carry out effective fumigation and spraying.

Mohammed added that the state government would embark on massive spraying and decontamination of communities in order to combat Lassa fever.

He also urged residents to contribute their own quota by always reporting any suspected case of Lassa fever in the state, as early diagnosis and treatment could help patients recover.