The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, has confirmed two cases of Lassa fever in the state, with two associated fatalities.
Baamlong disclosed this on Tuesday in Jos, stating that the confirmed cases were recorded in Unguwan Gar and Kwalla communities in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of the state.
“We have recorded two confirmed cases of Lassa fever in Plateau State, and unfortunately, both cases resulted in fatalities,” the commissioner said.
He explained that the affected patients were currently receiving treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Teaching Hospital in Bauchi State.
“Both patients are presently on admission at ATBU Teaching Hospital in Bauchi, where they are undergoing treatment,” Baamlong said.
The commissioner added that 69 persons who had contact with the patients had been identified and were being monitored in line with national and international public health protocols.
“So far, 69 contacts have been line-listed and are being closely monitored in accordance with established public health guidelines,” he said.
According to Baamlong, the Plateau State Ministry of Health has activated an Incident Management System (IMS) to ensure a coordinated and multi-sectoral response to the outbreak.
“We have activated an incident management system to drive a comprehensive and coordinated response to the outbreak,” he said.
He further disclosed that the state epidemiologist had been appointed as the Incident Manager for the Lassa fever response.
“The incident manager will coordinate surveillance, case management, risk communication, and other response activities across the state,” Baamlong explained.
He said part of the responsibilities of the incident manager included public sensitisation, media engagement, and capacity building for health workers, especially in infection prevention and control.
“Public awareness is critical, and we are intensifying sensitisation through the media while strengthening the capacity of health workers to prevent further spread,” he said.
Baamlong explained that Lassa fever is a viral disease transmitted primarily through contact with infected rats or through close contact with an infected person.
“The disease can be transmitted through contact with the blood, urine, stool, or vomit of an infected person, consumption of food contaminated with rat urine or faeces, unsafe burial practices, or caring for infected persons without adequate protection,” he said.
He listed the symptoms of Lassa fever to include headache, body weakness, fever that does not respond to malaria treatment, vomiting, diarrhoea, and bleeding from the mouth or nose in severe cases.
The commissioner urged residents to maintain good hygiene and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.
“Residents should keep their homes and surroundings clean, store food in covered containers, eat properly cooked food, and promptly report persistent fever to the nearest health facility,” he said.
Baamlong also urged residents of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspected case of Lassa fever.
“We remain committed to protecting the health and well-being of Plateau residents, and we call on all partners to support this critical response effort,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioner also condemned unhygienic practices in some slaughter slabs across the state, where meat is allegedly washed with contaminated sewage water.
“Such practices pose serious public health risks and can lead to foodborne and water-related diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis A, diarrhoea, and other infections,” Baamlong warned.
