Table of Contents
- Outbreak Overview
- Health Workers' Response
- Challenges Faced
- Government Response
- Call for Protective Equipment
- Director's Statement
The suspected outbreak of Lassa fever has resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including two pregnant women, in the Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Health personnel, including the medical superintendent, have been placed in isolation as a precautionary measure, and the general hospital in Awe has been closed.
Malami Ahmad Yahuza Abdullah, a Disease Surveillance Officer, explained that the outbreak began when a woman exhibiting symptoms consistent with Lassa fever was admitted to a health facility and died prior to receiving treatment. He noted that her husband later succumbed to similar symptoms.
According to Abdullahi, “Inadequate management of suspected cases and the absence of motorcycles for surveillance officers are significant challenges.”
He mentioned that none of the Disease Surveillance Officers across the 13 LGAs of Nasarawa State have been provided with motorcycles by the government, which he claims is hindering timely responses in remote areas.
He elaborated that the state government dispatched an ambulance to Awe to transport six suspected cases for isolation in Lafia, but they managed to escape even before the laboratory test results were available.
Health workers have called for protective equipment to effectively manage the outbreak. A nurse at Awe General Hospital reported that two women were admitted to the facility nearly simultaneously, exhibiting symptoms similar to malaria. Their conditions worsened, resulting in bleeding and hemorrhage, which ultimately led to their deaths.
The health workers are reportedly living in fear due to the lack of protective equipment to handle the outbreak.
Dr. Peter Attah, the Director of Public Health at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, stated that only one case of Lassa fever was documented in Awe, noting that the patient passed away before the laboratory results were obtained.
What is Lassa fever?
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. It is typically spread through contact with the urine or droppings of infected rodents, and can also be transmitted between humans through bodily fluids.
What precautions are being taken in response to the outbreak?
Health workers have been isolated as a precautionary measure, and the general hospital in Awe has been closed. Additionally, there are calls for protective equipment to ensure the safety of health personnel managing the outbreak.
What challenges are facing health officials in Nasarawa State?
Health officials are facing issues such as inadequate handling of suspected cases and a lack of transportation, specifically motorcycles, which hampers their ability to respond quickly in remote areas.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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