kogi State has recorded 41 cases of Lassa fever and 7 deaths from January, 2022.
A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Daniel Alonge, in Lokoja, confirmed this on Thursday.
The statement added that Idah, Ibaji, Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Ofu, Okene, Okehi, Kabba and Adavi local councils reported at least one case during the period under review.
Alonge added that the timely release of funds by Governor Yahaya Bello helped the Ministry of Health to manage the health crisis better.
“The ministry is collaborating with others, especially environment and agriculture, and partners to curtail the disease.
“The Ministry of Health has carried out community sensitisation in affected local councils, to enable them adopt healthy lifestyle, by keeping their environment clean, maintaining high standard of personal hygiene and preventing rats from having access to their foodstuff at home and in market places,” the perm sec said.
He also mentioned that the health workers in primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions had been adequately sensitised to have high index of suspicion for early diagnosis and treatment.
“Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers from the state and local council are following up on the situation for early case detection and timely reporting. The state’s efforts are yielding positive results, as the outbreak is going down based on our data. There are two active cases in stable condition receiving treatment at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, while 32 cases have been treated and discharged.
“We appeal to our citizens to avoid acts that could favour the further spread of the disease in the state, while the government will continue to do everything possible to curb the outbreak and prevent further spread,” the statement noted.
