Lassa fever kills four persons in Kaduna

The Kaduna government says lassa fever has killed four persons at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in the state.

Muhammad Shehu, chief press secretary to Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday.

Shehu said the Kaduna government is working with the hospital to contain the situation.

He added  that persons who came in contact with those infected have been identified and are being closely monitored.

“The attention of the Kaduna State Government has been drawn to a suspected outbreak of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever popularly known as “Lassa Fever” at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital located in the capital city of Kaduna,” the statement reads.

“Governor Uba Sani on learning of this potentially dangerous outbreak directed the Kaduna State Ministry of Health on 20th February 2024, to immediately investigate and ascertain the situation at the health facility.

“Consequently, a surveillance team was promptly mobilized to assess the situation and containment measures were initiated alongside the hospital management.

“Currently, four deaths have been recorded all within the hospital premises while three other patients with similar symptoms are currently being managed.

“The Kaduna State Ministry of Health and management of 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, are working assiduously to contain the situation as all those who came in contact with those infected have been identified and are closely being monitored while receiving urgent medical treatment.

“Furthermore, samples have been carefully collected from contacts and sent for confirmation to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control laboratory and are closely being followed up.”

Shehu further said all infection prevention and control (IPC) measures have been instituted at the facility.

He said the hospital is currently closed to the public, until full containment has been achieved.

Shehu also urged residents of Kaduna to maintain proper food and environmental hygiene and immediately report any suspected case of lassa fever to the nearest health facility.