Lassa Fever Outbreak: 3 Dead, 2 Confirmed Cases In Taraba

Three persons have died of the Lassa fever Virus in Taraba State, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports.

WHO Surveillance Officer, Dr. Bello Ahmed revealed the deaths during a sensitisation workshop on Lassa fever, put together by the state Ministry of Health in Jalingo, the state capital, on Tuesday.

Dr. Ahmed who was represented by Dr. Zeto Philip, stated that 12 cases had been reported, with three confirmed dead and three positive cases who have been placed under close monitoring.

Placed under red alert are Bali, Ibi, Gassol, Gashaka, Jalingo and Ardo-Kola local governments in Taraba to curb the spread of the disease, Dr. Ahmed said.

The Surveillance Officer explained that two deaths had been recorded in Jalingo and one in Ardo-Kola, placing the state at 25 per cent infection rate.

Dr. Ahmed further stated that the survey was carried out between January 1 and 28, with 367 contacts identified across the country and urged the public to be mindful of their personal hygiene and safety to mitigate the spread of the disease.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Innocent Vakkai said the workshop was part of the initiatives of the state government’s aimed at creating awareness to stop the spread of the disease.

Dr. Vakkai stated that the Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo, Dr Sylvanus Okogbeni, confirmed that two health workers affected were discharged on Monday.

He said the situation is saddening as it had caused serious emotional trauma, fear, anxiety and sometimes anger among stakeholders.