The Kaduna government has launched an investigation into a reported outbreak of Lassa fever at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

This was announced in a statement by Muhammad Shehu, chief press secretary to the Kaduna governor on Thursday.

According to the statement, Governor Uba Sani directed the health ministry to investigate and ascertain the situation at the health facility immediately.

It said, “Consequently, a surveillance team was promptly mobilised to assess the situation, and containment measures were initiated alongside the hospital management. Currently, four deaths have been recorded within the hospital premises, while three other patients with similar symptoms are being managed. 

“The Kaduna State Ministry of Health and management of the hospital

are working assiduously to contain the situation, those who came into contact with those infected identified and closely monitored and provided urgent medical treatment.”

The statement added, “Samples have been carefully collected from contacts and sent for confirmation to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control laboratory and are closely being followed up.

“Additionally, all Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been instituted at the facility, while it remains closed to the public until full containment has been achieved.”

With symptoms such as fever, general body weakness and, after a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain, the public has been urged to maintain proper food and environmental hygiene, vigilant and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.

The health ministry also directed to enhance surveillance in collaboration with local government health departments.

(NAN)