Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Plateau State Government has confirmed two deaths resulting from a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.
According to the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, “the state has recorded three cases of Lassa fever with two fatalities and one currently undergoing treatment.”
The two cases were discovered in Kanam local government and another reported case in Shendam.
Dr. Shurkuk explained that Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus, transmitted to humans through exposed food and household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected rats.
Symptoms include headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain, among others. One of the patients died in Shendam, while the other is receiving treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital.
The Plateau State government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NSCDC), swiftly mobilized a team to affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment and to educate people on the disease.
Dr. Shurkuk emphasized that “there is no cause for alarm” as all contacts traced tested negative, and health workers have been trained to respond to such incidents.
He urged people to visit health facilities promptly when they feel unwell and to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases.
