Nigerian Authorities Confirm Lassa Fever Killed Four In Army Hospital

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

Three medical staff members and one patient at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna (44 NARHK), Kaduna State, died from Lassa fever, according to confirmation from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

According to the disease center, Lassa fever has been confirmed in four out of the six blood samples from suspected cases that were sent from the hospital to the Bayero University Teaching Hospital in Kano.

This was revealed by Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC, on Friday at a press briefing in Abuja. He said that 25 close contacts of every case are currently being watched over and have been prescribed preventive medication.

However, the NCDC DG revealed additional information about the confirmed infection, stating that as of February 18, Nigeria had registered 2,621 suspected Lassa fever cases, of which 476 were confirmed and 84 resulted in death.

NCDC's reaction

According to Mr. Idris, all Lassa fever treatment facilities across the nation are now receiving medical supplies for case management, infection prevention and control, and laboratory diagnosis thanks to the activated multi-sectoral multi-disciplinary Incident Management System.

He mentioned that through the pilot Lassa fever clinical management fellowship, the agency has also begun training healthcare professionals from all geopolitical zones in preparation, readiness, and response for Lassa fever.

He advised Nigerians to always maintain a clean environment and to seal off any openings in their homes to keep out rodents like rats.

Also, he counseled healthcare professionals to follow standard infection prevention and control procedures at all times.

Fever Lassa

Humans can contract Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness characterized by excessive bleeding, by coming into contact with food or household items contaminated by rodents or contaminated individuals.

In severe cases, there may be unexplained bleeding from the mouth, nose, ears, eyes, or other body openings. Other symptoms include fever, headaches, sore throats, general body weakness, coughs, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.