Panic As Two Die Of Lassa Fever In Kano

 

Lassa fever
Lassa rat

Two persons have died of Lassa fever at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, causing panic across the state.

According to reports, those who have had contact with the deceased, have been quarantined and are receiving treatment.

A woman who gave birth through cesarean operation is suspected to be the index case of the disease, theCable reports.

The online news platform quoted the source as saying a house officer who assisted in the surgery died recently.

“A house officer that died recently assisted in the C/S that was done to the woman,” he said.

“The late Dr Habib who died recently had contact with the patient in ICU. The SR that operated the patient is currently sick and has been isolated.”

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has urged all those who have had any contact with the patients to comply with the treatment regimen.

Read Also: Lassa Fever Outbreak: 3 IMPORTANT Things You Must Know

“My dear colleagues, It is sad we’ve lost our colleagues within a week. Of note are the 2 cases of suspected Lassa fever (whose samples were taken to confirm the diagnosis),” a statement by the NMA read.

“While awaiting the results. There was an emergency meeting this evening for a harmonious effort between the Kano State MOH & AKTH.”

“The two sides have shown commitment so far; Suspected cases received IV Ribavrin and were transferred out to Yargaya Isolation center; All primary contacts are to be on quarantine; Contact tracing will continue from tomorrow morning (all those identified should please comply, for early treatment).”

Lassa fever can be contacted when a person comes in contact with food or water contaminated by urine or faeces of a species of rat that carries the disease.