- Confirmed Case: A case of Lassa fever has been confirmed at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano State, reported on April 5 in Garun Mallam Local Government Area.
- Suspected Cases: The hospital recorded two suspected cases, one of which tested positive, while the other patient passed away before testing could be conducted.
- Emergency Response: The hospital activated emergency protocols, screening individuals who may have had contact with the patient, and some staff members reported mild symptoms resembling malaria.
- Contact Tracing: A contact-tracing team has been deployed to Garun Mallam to identify and monitor those who may have been exposed to the virus.
- Public Notification: The Kano State Ministry of Health has been notified, and authorities are working to contain the situation, urging the public to remain calm and vigilant.
Additional Context
Lassa fever is a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with 413 confirmed cases and 80 deaths reported across 11 states in recent weeks. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System to strengthen response efforts.
To prevent Lassa fever, it’s essential to maintain good hand hygiene and keep homes clean to eliminate rodent hiding places. Proper food storage in sealed containers can also help prevent rodent infestation. If experiencing fever, weakness, or bleeding, seek medical help immediately. Avoid contact with rodent droppings and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission.
