The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, has confirmed two cases of Lassa fever in the state, with two fatalities recorded.
Baamlong disclosed this on Tuesday in Jos, saying the cases were reported in the Unguwan Gar and Kwalla communities of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area.
He said the patients are currently receiving treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi State, while 69 persons identified as contacts are being monitored in line with national and international public health protocols.
According to the commissioner, the Plateau State Ministry of Health has activated an Incident Management System to ensure a comprehensive and multisectoral response to the outbreak.
He said the state epidemiologist has been appointed as the Incident Manager for the Lassa fever response, with responsibility for coordinating surveillance, case management and risk communication activities.
Baamlong added that the incident manager would also lead public sensitization on preventive measures through media engagement, capacity building for health workers and strengthening infection prevention and control practices.
He explained that Lassa fever is a viral disease transmitted through contact with infected rats or close contact with an infected person.
According to him, transmission can also occur through contact with an infected person’s blood, urine, stool or vomit; consumption of food or water contaminated by rat urine or faeces; unsafe burial practices; and caring for infected persons without adequate protection.
The commissioner listed symptoms of the disease as headache, body weakness, persistent fever not responding to malaria treatment, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, bleeding from the mouth or nose.
He urged residents to keep their homes and surroundings clean, store food in covered containers, eat properly cooked meals and report any persistent fever to the nearest health facility.
Baamlong also called on residents of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area and neighboring communities to remain vigilant, maintain good hygiene practices and promptly report suspected cases of Lassa fever.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Plateau residents and appealed to development partners and stakeholders to support the response efforts.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioner also condemned unhygienic practices at some slaughter slabs, particularly the washing of meat with contaminated sewage water.
He warned that such practices could lead to foodborne and water-related diseases, including cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis A, diarrhoea and other infections.
