Within the space of 48 hours, a suspected fresh outbreak of Lassa fever has killed three healthcare workers and a patient in Kaduna state.
The 44 Nigeria Army Reference Hospital Kaduna where the incident occurred, has issued a call for strict control of the disease at military healthcare facilities nationwide.
The hospital’s acting Corps Commander Medical (CCM), Brig Gen, S.O Okoigi disclosed that the fatalities occurred following the treatment of a patient with febrile illness suspected to be the index case of the disease.
The Explainer gathered that the deceased persons had been taken to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)’s laboratory in Kano for examination.
According to the acting CCM, the common symptoms in those affected included fever, and non-specific symptoms like malaria, complicated by abnormal liver function, and acute kidney failure, among others.
As a precaution, the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department has been temporarily closed for thorough disinfection, and samples have been taken from suspected contacts.
The Accident and Emergency Department of the hospital has been closed for a thorough disinfection process and samples have been taken from suspected contacts.
Kaduna state epidemiologists have also been enlisted to assist in determining the root cause of the febrile illness.
“This is in addition to strict disease Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures that have been directed to be in place. Ribavirin injection (antiviral agent) has also been commenced on other suspected cases and those identified on contact tracing.
“44 NARHK have also been directed to suspend accepting new cases from the general public in the interim while the situation is being contained,” the statement said.
Reacting to the outbreak, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged its members and hospital proprietors to ensure the provision and use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for all healthcare workers to further reduce the risk of transmission.
The Association confirmed the death of a nurse, one pharmacist, one paramedic, and a patient at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna.
The State Chapter’s Public Relations Officer Shuaibu Joga, said: “We will continue to sensitise members and the general public on preventive measures to prevent further spread in Kaduna State.”
