Fresh Lassa Fever Outbreak In Bauchi Infects 10, Kills 3 on HWN LASSA FEVER UPDATE

No fewer than three persons have died from a fresh outbreak of Lassa Fever, while 10 members of a family are currently infected with the virus in Bauchi State.

The Executive Chairman Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ibrahim Gamawa, who said this yesterday in Bauchi, added that the 10 new cases were recorded in a single family at Jaye village in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state.

He said the outbreak started after a 78-year-old man died of the disease without seeking professional medical treatment. Gamawa said: “Investigations revealed that the deceased contracted the virus from Liman Katagum, where some cases of Lassa Fever were found in November last year.

The victim was put on traditional treatment from patent medicine stores for a number of days before he died. 10 persons contacted the virus and samples of their blood were taken to Irrua laboratory in Edo State, where they were confirmed positive.

They are now on admission at the state isolation centre of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching hospital, Bauchi.

Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Abubakar has approved the construction of infectious diseases centre in Bayara Hospital in Bauchi, where cases of infectious diseases will be treated, while Federal Government will assist with equipping the hospital with facilities.

Source: VanguardNg, HWN Africa.