KDSG SAYS 4 DEATHS RECORDED FOLLOWING SUSPECTED OUTBREAK OF VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC FEVER 22-02-24
By Sadiq Aminu Kaduna State government says four deaths have been recorded following the suspected outbreak of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever popularly known as Lassa Fever at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna.
A Statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mohammed Lawal Shehu says all the deaths were recorded within the hospital premises while three other patients with similar symptoms are currently being managed.
It says Kaduna State Ministry of Health and management of 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital are working assiduously to contain the situation as all those who came in contact with those infected persons had been identified and are closely being monitored for urgent medical treatment.
The statement explains that, a surveillance team were promptly mobilized to assess the situation and containment measures were initiated alongside the hospital management.
According to the Statement, samples have been carefully collected from contacts and sent for confirmation to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control laboratory and are closely being followed up.
Additionally, all Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been instituted at the facility while it remains closed to the public,until full containment has been achieved.
“Lassa Fever, generally infects victims with the following symptoms – fever, general body weakness and after a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain may follow”
Government advised Members of the public to maintain proper food and environmental hygiene as they remain hyper vigilant to immediately report any suspected cases of Lassa Fever to the nearest health facility.
Kaduna State Ministry of Health has further been directed to enhance surveillance across the state in collaboration with local government heath departments.
“The attention of the Kaduna State Government has been drawn to a suspected outbreak of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever popularly known as “Lassa Fever” at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital located in the capital city of Kaduna.