The Kaduna State Ministry of Health said it has successfully treated two Lassa Fever victims out of the eight confirmed cases on admission in hospitals.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni, who also revealed that a 40-year-old man has been confirmed to be carrying the disease at the ABUTH, Zaria.
She said however, that the patient is currently receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Control Centre.
The commissioner, in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna, further disclosed that four of the Lassa Fever patients had died.
She explained that only eight out of the 74 suspected cases reported from Jan. 22, were confirmed to have Lassa fever.
The statement read: “Out of the eight confirmed cases, the first patient had died due to late presentation, while the second and third cases have been cured, affirmed negative and discharged home.
“However, the fourth and fifth cases were diagnosed after they had died.
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“Similarly, the sixth case had travelled from Ebonyi State and is receiving treatment at the Infectious Disease Control Centre (IDCC).
“In addition, the seventh, who is also deceased, had travelled from Kebbi State but died while on admission at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, before being diagnosed.
“This brings to two the number of confirmed cases receiving treatment at the IDCC at the moment.
“In view of this, the general public is advised to further ensure that all cases of fevers are tested for malaria before treatment.”
The commissioner called on the people to report anyone with the Lassa Fever disease symptoms, for early treatment.
Mohammed-Baloni also advised residents to continue maintaining high level of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation to avoid contracting the disease.
She said: “Kaduna State Ministry of Health is continuing its sensitization, via radio jingles on preventive measures, active case searches and contact listing to further curtail the spread of the disease. Lassa Fever can be treated and it is indeed curable.”
