Another case of Lassa fever confirmed in Kaduna ― Commissioner

Another case of Lassa fever has been confirmed in Kaduna State by the Commissioner of Health in the state, Dr Amina Baloni.

This was contained in a statement signed by the commissioner at the weekend.

The statement disclosed that the victim is a 34-year-old man from Kajuru local government area of the state.

It said: “In view of the recent Lassa fever outbreak in Kaduna State, the Ministry of Health wishes to update the general public on the situation so far.

“Kaduna State has recorded a total of 23 cases so far, 15 test results have come back negative but one new case has been confirmed.

“However, six test samples are also pending. The new confirmed case is a 34 years old male from Kajuru Local Government Area and he is being managed at the IDCC.

“This brings the number of confirmed cases to two in Kaduna State, the first victim died last Sunday and has since been buried.

“Similarly, a total number of 40 people who had been in contact with the cases are being monitored and none has shown any symptoms. However, contact listing and follow-up, as well as active case search, are ongoing.

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“The general public is advised to continue to maintain a high level of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation and ensure that all cases of fevers are tested for malaria before treatment.”

The commissioner, in the statement, also said measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus in the state has been put in place.

The statement noted that, “following the Federal Government’s recent declaration of Global Public Health Emergency of International Concern, Kaduna State government is complying with the advisory on the Coronavirus Disease issued by the Minister of Health, Mr Osagie Ehanire.

“Specifically, the minister advised that Nigerians should limit non-essential travel to China, while those arriving from such countries with no visible symptoms are to self-isolate for two weeks after their arrival.

“In addition, arriving travellers also have a duty to report any incidents of passengers falling sick during flights.

“Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease are sneezing, coughing and difficulties in breathing. People are advised to report to the nearest health facility if any of these symptoms are noticed immediately.

“The Kaduna State Ministry of Health, therefore, calls on the general public to wash hands regularly with soap under running water, cover the mouth and nose properly with a handkerchief and tissue paper when sneezing or cough into the elbow where the handkerchief is not available.

“Other protective measures are, avoiding self-medication and report to the nearest health facility when experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms. Health workers are also to observe standard infection prevention and control measures while attending to patients. They should also endeavour to take their travel history.”