Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Daniel Iya, has confirmed
that four persons have lost their lives to Lassa fever outbreak in the
state.
On Monday in Lafia, Mr. Iya told journalist that 16 suspected cases
have been recorded in the state, out of which four were confirmed
positive and all of them have died.
He explained that the index case for the current outbreak was
recorded in November 2016 and died a day later, while the three others
died between January 13 and January 15.
According to Mr. Iya, the last three victims were discovered to be
relatives of the index case, adding that 36 others, who had contact with
the victims were being followed up.
He said the state government was doing its best with the assistance
of the federal government through the provision of protective kits for
medical personnel taking care of Lassa fever patients as well as drugs
for treatment of the disease.
He said the state rapid response team had stepped up sensitization
updates for health workers to check the spread of the disease.
Mr. Iya urged health workers in the state to always follow standard procedures in taking care of patients in the hospital.
He also urged members of the public to report cases of fever promptly
to the hospital as early detection was crucial to survival of patients
in the case of Lassa fever.
Source: NAN