Lassa fever spreads to Yobe, LUTH increases surveillance

Four persons have been placed under isolation in Yobe state over suspicion of the deadly Lassa fever

In Lagos, where two people died some days ago, the authorities of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) have increased surveillance. Over 100 people are in the isolation ward of the hospital, while four are under survellaince in Yobe.

Bello Kawuwa, Yobe state commissioner for health, disclosed this on Wednesday.

Kawuwa told journalists in Damaturu, the state capital, that seven people were initially held, but three had been discharged after clinical analysis.

The commissioner said though, earlier results did not indicate that the four people have Lassa fever, a second laboratory test would be carried out on them.

“In July, about seven cases of suspected Lassa fever were reported in Yobe,” Kawuwa said.

“They were subjected to normal clinical appraisal and three of the seven were looking less of Lassa fever.

“We will let you know when the result of the second laboratory test is released.

“We have isolated the cases to prevent unnecessary contact.

“Our epidemic response team has also gone to the affected communities to carryout contact-tracing as well as enlighten the people on how to deal with the  situation.”