In Benue State, nine individuals, including a 13-year-old girl, lost their lives out of the 39 confirmed cases of Lassa Fever.Â
Dr. Yanmar Ortese, the commissioner for health and human services, shared this information in a conversation with our correspondent in Makurdi. The state government is coordinating arrangements for the victims’ burials.
Dr. Stephen Hwande, the chief medical director of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi (BSUTH), confirmed the outbreak and mentioned that the confirmed cases were among the 10 suspected individuals referred to the hospital from various health facilities.
These included the Federal University of Health Science in Otukpo, Nigerian Airforce Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Makurdi, and some private hospitals.
Dr. Hwande highlighted that the hospital had received a grant from the state government to upgrade its facilities, specifically the isolation center, to effectively manage not only Lassa Fever but also other infectious diseases.
He urged individuals with Lassa Fever symptoms not to delay seeking medical attention, emphasizing the availability of prevention drugs at the institution.
Professor Audu Onyemocho, the State Focal Person for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), explained that Lassa Fever can be contracted from infected rats or persons.
He listed symptoms such as a temperature above 38 degrees, body weakness, sore throat, vomiting, acute kidney injury, and bloody urine.
Professor Onyemocho provided guidance recommending against the practice of drying cassava chips and garri on roads.
He underscored the importance of adequately covering food items to deter rats from gaining access to them.
The emphasis was placed on the necessity of avoiding the exposure of these food products to open environments, as doing so could lead to potential contamination and infestation by rodents.
Prof. Onyemocho stressed the significance of employing proper storage measures to safeguard foodstuff from undesirable external elements and maintain their hygiene.
