Lassa fever ‘berths’ in Yobe

 

By Musa M. Buba Damaturu

Yobe state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Bello Kawuwa, has debunked report that cases of Lassa fever were found in Yobe state. Kawuwa, who made the denial at a press briefi ng yesterday in Damaturu, the state capital, said there were seven cases initially under surveillance, but that clinical appraisal revealed three as false, while the remaining four are currently undergoing clinical appraisal awaiting fi nal results. He said they were yet to confi rm the three cases to ascertain whether “it’s actually Lassa fever or not because the laboratory results are still being expected and when that is done they will communicate.”

“We subjected such to laboratory analysis to confi rm the true position and from the clinical progression, we thought they were cases of Lassa fever, but they are yet to be actually confi rmed. Such will only be confi rmed if second laboratory results are out. Already, the suspected cases have been isolated to avoid contact or spread of the disease in case, while the clinical appraisal is ongoing,” he said. “Th e epidemic response team is already in those communities carrying out contact tracing operation and enlightening the people in line with the best medical practice. “Th is is the fi rst time Lassa fever epidemic is being reported in the state that has suff ered security challenges for years.”

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