Following the report on Wednesday that 14 people were killed by Lassa Fever just between January and February of this year in Ebonyi State, another suspected case of Lassa Fever outbreak has occurred in Kaduna State, taking the lives of 4 people – 3 health workers and a patient.
This sad incident which occurred in the emergency ward at the 44 Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna was made known by the Corps Commander, Medical, Brig. Gen. S. O. Okoigi, on Thursday.
According to him “The Accident and Emergency Department of 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna has lost three members of staff and a patient suspected to have died from acute Viral Haemorrhagic Fever.
“This followed the management of a patient with febrile illness thought to have been the index patient with the disease 10 days ago. The patient also died from the suspected disease condition.”
“The Accident and Emergency has been closed for thorough disinfection process and samples have been taken from suspected contacts and the deceased and sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control laboratory in Kano for analysis.”
He further explained the various preventive measures that has been taken in order to prevent reoccurrence of such incidence again
He said “The Accident and Emergency has been closed for thorough disinfection process and samples have been taken from suspected contacts and the deceased and sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control laboratory in Kano for analysis.
“Prevention remains the best approach in dealing with such an outbreak since treatment options are limited against a background of high mortality often recorded as in the current case at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.
“This can be achieved by raising the level of hospital preparedness for VHF outbreaks through capacity building and ensuring the use of universal precautions when dealing with all patients.
“Sequel to the foregoing, it is imperative that all units put in place strict IPC measures immediately to safeguard hospital staff and patients.
“Furthermore, IPC guidelines are to be strategically located for all members of staff to see and adhere to.”
