By Miracle Ogunde
Two persons have died following a fresh outbreak of suspected Lassa fever in Plateau state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, disclosed this in Jos, the state capital.
Shurkuk revealed that three cases of the disease have been recorded, with two fatalities and one patient currently receiving treatment.
The cases were reported in Kanam and Shendam Local Government Areas.
According to the commissioner, one of the deceased passed away in Shendam, while the surviving patient is undergoing treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital.
“Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted to humans through food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected rats,” Shurkuk explained. Symptoms of the disease include headache, sore throat, chest pain, vomiting, and abdominal pain, among others.
In response to the outbreak, the Plateau State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), deployed a rapid response team to the affected communities. The team conducted an on-the-spot assessment and sensitized residents on preventive measures.
Dr. Shurkuk reassured the public that all contacts traced have tested negative, emphasizing there is no cause for alarm. He noted that health workers have been trained to handle such cases.
However, he expressed concern that many residents seek medical attention too late, worsening their conditions.
He urged the public to visit healthcare facilities promptly if they experience any symptoms.
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