Gov Sani orders probe following suspected Lassa fever outbreak at army hospital
The Kaduna government has commenced an investigation into a reported outbreak of Lassa fever at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, northern Nigeria.
This was announced in a statement by Muhammad Shehu, chief press secretary to the Kaduna governor, in response to the health emergency.
The statement said Governor Uba Sani has directed the health ministry to probe and identify the situation at the health facility immediately.
It said, “Consequently, a surveillance team was promptly mobilised to assess the situation, and containment measures were initiated alongside the hospital management. Currently, four deaths have been recorded within the hospital premises, while three other patients with similar symptoms are being managed.
“The Kaduna State Ministry of Health and management of the hospital are working assiduously to contain the situation, those who came into contact with those infected identified and closely monitored and provided urgent medical treatment.”
The statement added, “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.
“Additionally, all Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been instituted at the facility, while it remains closed to the public until full containment has been achieved.”
The state ministry of health ministry also called for enhanced surveillance in collaboration with local government health departments.
The public has been urged to maintain proper food and environmental hygiene, be vigilant and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.
Some of the symptoms of the disease are fever, general body weakness and, after a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain.
