One person has been confirmed dead as a result of the Lassa fever outbreak while 26 others who are suspected to have come in contact with the deceased have been placed under surveillance by the Jigawa State Government.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr Abba Zakar while confirming the tragic loss said the victim of the Lassa fever disease who resided at Gujubaki village in Dutse Local Government area of the state had just returned from Port Harcourt in Rivers State and reported to Dutse General Hospital with signs and symptoms suggestive to Lassa fever.
Further explaining that the hospital management had immediately noticed the symptoms exhibited by the deceased and contacted the State ministry of health. He continued that the Ministry sent in its Rapid Response Team – a team of three Doctors, Disease notification officers and an Epidemiologist- to examine the victim and take blood samples.
Dr. Abba stated that while the blood sample taken was tested at a laboratory in Abuja and it confirmed the presence of the Lassa fever virus, the patient unfortunately died the same day.
The health Commissioner noted that the 26 other people placed under surveillance will be checked up on every three days to ensure proper health.
Leave a Reply