Lassa fever kills 3 in Bauchi

Bauchi state government says Lassa fever has killed three people in the state, just as it recorded 25 suspected cases of the disease in seven local government areas.
Chairman of the state Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSPHCDA), Ibrahim Gamawa, confirmed this yesterday at the opening of clinician sensitisation training on Lassa fever in Bauchi.
According to him, the state has recorded 25 suspected cases, five lab confirmed cases, one probable case with three deaths between January 1 and March 4.
The chairman listed the affected local government areas as Alkaleri, Bauchi, Bogoro, Dass, Tafawa Balewa, Toro and Warji.
Gamawa reminded healthcare workers that Lassa fever presents initially like any other disease causing a febrile illness such as malaria.
He, therefore, advised them to practice standard precautions at all times, maintaining a high index of suspicion.
Gamawa said the state government had set up a Lassa fever Rapid Response Committee to tackle reported cases.
The state Director, Diseases Control in the agency, Lois Daniel, said the objective of the training was to give the participants an overview of Lassa fever in Nigeria.
“Also to increase their awareness and index of suspicion increase on the suspected cases of Lassa fever,” she said. (NAN)

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