Lassa fever: Pregnant woman, two doctors feared dead at Aminu Kano Hospital

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5 years ago

A pregnant woman and two doctors have been reported dead at the Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) following a suspected outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

Others who were said to be infected with the virus have been taken to the intensive care unit of the hospital.

It was gathered that the pregnant woman who hails from Bauchi State is suspected to be a carrier.

She was said to have died after undergoing a caesarean section about 20 days ago at the hospital.

However, in a swift reaction, the management of AKTH denied reports of the outbreak. It said it is too early to decide if it Lassa fever virus that led to the death of the people.

AKTH spokesperson said there are three stages of investigations on the issue of Lassa fever and the hospital are on them, adding that he would soon issue a statement on the matter.

But the Director, Public Health, Kano State Ministry of Health, Dr Imam Wada Bello, on Tuesday disclosed that a female doctor on housemanship that died recently assisted in the caesarean section carried out by the consultant who is now dead also.

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He further disclosed that a sample has been taken to Lagos for analysis adding that results are expected tomorrow.

Information officer of the state ministry of health, Alhaji Sama’ila Gwammaja, also explained that the case is a suspected case and the blood sample had already been taken for analysis.

Gwammaja said, “the result is expected tomorrow (Wednesday) hopefully by 2 pm. We will call a press conference to let the public know about the situation.”

A statement from the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Kano said the state chapter is “dismayed by the recent happenings, death of colleagues as a result of contact with suspected case of Lassa fever.”

The statement noted that it is very urgent and imperative that the authorities should direct all machinery for effective control of the public health dangers to act promptly.

It also called on the public to use all the appropriate and necessary measures to curb and control the spread of this infectious disease.