A suspected outbreak of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever, colloquially referred to as “Lassa fever,” has prompted the Kaduna State Government to respond at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
This information was released on Thursday via a statement issued by Muhammad Shehu, chief press secretary to the governor of Kaduna State.
As per his statement, the Kaduna State Ministry of Health has been instructed by Governor Uba Sani to investigate and determine the situation at the health facility without delay.
He stated, “As a result, hospital administration and a surveillance team were expeditiously dispatched to assess the situation, and containment measures were implemented.”
“At this time, the hospital is attending to three patients exhibiting comparable symptoms while four fatalities have been documented on its premises…”
“Efforts are being made by the Kaduna State Ministry of Health and the hospital’s administration to contain the situation; individuals who had contact with infected individuals have been identified, closely monitored, and given immediate medical attention.”
“Contacts’ samples have been meticulously collected and sent to the laboratory of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control for confirmation; they are currently being monitored closely.”
“Moreover, until complete containment is achieved, all Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been implemented at the facility, which is currently off-limits to the public.”
A few days after experiencing fever, general body weakness, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain, members of the public have been advised to remain vigilant, report suspected cases to the nearest health facility, and maintain proper food and environmental hygiene.
In addition, the Kaduna State Ministry of Health has been instructed to work in tandem with local government health departments to improve surveillance.