Lassa Fever Case Uncovered At Kano Teaching Hospital

A case of Lassa fever has been discovered at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), prompting urgent response efforts by hospital authorities and the Kano State Government.

The revelation came on Friday through Salisu Inuwa, spokesperson for the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Unit, during an interview with a local newspaper.

Inuwa said two suspected cases were reported at the hospital last week, with one later confirmed after laboratory testing.

“Last week, we had two suspected cases of Lassa fever. One of them, unfortunately, passed away before we could collect a sample for testing. The second patient came in walking and tested positive for Lassa fever,” Inuwa said.

The confirmed case, recorded on April 5 in Garun Mallam Local Government Area of Kano State, triggered immediate contact tracing and precautionary screening of staff and patients.

Inuwa said several individuals who had contact with the confirmed case reported mild symptoms resembling malaria, which shares early signs with Lassa fever.

He noted that their blood samples have been taken for analysis.

“As a precaution, we have started screening all possible contacts. Some staff members showed symptoms similar to malaria, and we’re awaiting their test results,” he added.

He confirmed that the hospital has notified the Kano State Ministry of Health, which has since deployed a contact tracing team to the affected community to prevent further spread.

“We’re working closely with the state health authorities to contain the situation. They are actively tracing contacts in Garun Mallam and taking necessary preventive actions,” Inuwa stated.

He assured the public that the situation was under control, saying none of the cases under observation required admission.

“Everyone under surveillance remains stable and is being monitored closely. There’s no cause for alarm,” he said.

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic in West Africa that is transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feaces and can also spread between humans.

LEADERSHIP reports that as at the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued on the development by the Kano State Ministry of Health.