A case of Lassa fever has been confirmed at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), triggering immediate response efforts, including contact tracing and precautionary screening of hospital staff and patients.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the confirmation was made on Friday by Salisu Inuwa, spokesperson for the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Unit, during an exclusive interview with our correspondent.
“Last week, we had two suspected cases of Lassa fever. Initially, both were considered probable cases, but upon further testing, one was confirmed positive,” Inuwa said.
According to Inuwa, the first suspected patient sadly passed away before a sample could be taken for laboratory analysis.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain a sample from the first patient, who passed away before testing could be done. At the time of death, our doctors suspected the possibility of Lassa fever or another viral hemorrhagic fever,” he explained.
“The second suspected case arrived at the hospital on foot and was immediately tested. Results later confirmed the patient to be positive for Lassa fever. The case was recorded on April 5 in Garun Mallam Local Government Area of Kano State.
“Following the confirmed case, AKTH initiated emergency protocols, screening all individuals who may have had contact with the patient. Some staff members also reported mild symptoms similar to malaria, prompting further testing.
“As a precautionary measure, we initiated screening today. The second suspected case came in walking, and that individual has since tested positive for Lassa fever,” Inuwa stated.
He added that some of the contacts of the confirmed case also reported symptoms that resemble malaria, which can mimic early signs of Lassa fever. We’ve taken their blood samples and sent them for laboratory analysis.”
Despite these developments, Inuwa assured the public that the situation is under control and that none of the individuals under observation have required hospitalization.
“Thankfully, all the contacts and individuals under observation are stable. None have been admitted, and they continue with their regular activities under close monitoring,” he noted.
According to him, the hospital has since notified the Kano State Ministry of Health, which has deployed a contact tracing team to the affected community in Garun Mallam.
The spokesperson said the state health authorities are working closely with the hospital to contain any possible spread of the disease.
“We immediately notified the state health authorities. They have taken up the matter and are actively conducting contact tracing in the community to identify anyone who may have been exposed and to implement necessary interventions,” Inuwa added.
He emphasized that the hospital and relevant agencies are on high alert but urged the public to remain calm and vigilant.
“There’s no cause for public alarm,” he said. “The hospital, in collaboration with the government and relevant health agencies, has activated its response protocols.”
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic in parts of West Africa. It is commonly transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces.
Human-to-human transmission can also occur, especially in healthcare settings lacking proper infection control measures.
(GRASSROOTS PARROT)
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