The outbreak of Lassa Fever in Taraba State has killed one person and two others quarantined at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.
Confirming the outbreak of the disease in Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Innocent Vakkai said the blood samples of the two persons quarantined had been taken to Irrua Specialists’ Hospital in Edo state for further confirmation.
He stressed that the state government had already responded to the outbreak to ensure that the deadly disease is not allowed to spread.
He added that people usually got infected with the Lassa Virus after exposure to infected rodents, while person to person transmission occurs through direct contact with a sick person.
Innocent urged residents of Jalingo and its environment to avoid contact with rats, especially in the areas where the outbreak occurred.
He noted that other precautionary measures include; putting food in rodent proof containers and wearing protective masks, gloves, gowns among others.
The Commissioner called on people of the state to report any case of nasal bleeding, bleeding through the anus and mouth to any nearby hospital for prompt response.
This is not the first case of Lassa fever outbreak in Taraba state. In February 2012 , 10 people died as a result of the outbreak.
Source ; Daily times
The outbreak of Lassa Fever in Taraba State has killed one person and two others quarantined at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.
Confirming the outbreak of the disease in Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Innocent Vakkai said the blood samples of the two persons quarantined had been taken to Irrua Specialists’ Hospital in Edo state for further confirmation.
He stressed that the state government had already responded to the outbreak to ensure that the deadly disease is not allowed to spread.
He added that people usually got infected with the Lassa Virus after exposure to infected rodents, while person to person transmission occurs through direct contact with a sick person.
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