Lassa Fever: 1 Killed, 7 Cases Confirmed In Benue

Director of public health in Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services Dr. Terna Kur, has said seven persons had tested positive for Lassa Fever with one death.

Kur told LEADERSHIP in a telephone chat that of the 23 suspected cases brought to the hospital for diagnosis, seven persons were confirmed positive, of which one lost his life.

According to him, two positive cases with kidney issues were referred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki in Ebonyi State for treatment

The director said based on this, 28 contacts traced were being follow up.

In the same vein, the leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Benue State branch has raised the alarm on the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state with an appeal to the residents to take precautions to avoid contracting the deadly disease.

The state chairman of the association Dr. Anenga Ushakuma, in a statement he issued yesterday, said, “We want to alert the general public that the season for the transmission of Lassa fever is upon us. We have witnessed several deaths in Benue State in the last few weeks, therefore, we must take all necessary precautions to avoid contracting this deadly disease.

“It is important to remember that Lassa fever is caused by a virus transmitted through contact with bodily fluids or excreta of infected rats, as well as through human-to-human transmission.”

Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, sore throat, body pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and difficulty in breathing. In severe cases, the disease can lead to bleeding in any part of the body,” he said.

Ushakuma said in preventing this disease, it is important to avoid the handling and consumption of rats which are its major transmitters. No matter how delicious rat meat is, it is not worth sacrificing one’s life, adding that, “Please avoid rats during this season as much as you can. Don’t eat them or handle them,” he added.

The NMA boss also urged residents to observe good hygiene practices, such as regularly washing of hands and proper storing and preparing of food, as well as encouraging people to seek medical attention if they experience any of the symptoms of the disease.

“If you suspect that you or someone may have contracted Lassa fever, you mustn’t treat it with kidgloves and do not remain silent about it. You must seek medical attention immediately at a hospital, do not stay at home or seek help from a chemist shop because early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the chances of full recovery and prevent death,’ he said.