Plateau confirms Lassa fever deaths, including doctors, as health officials launch contact tracing across six affected LGAs

The Plateau State Government has confirmed Lassa fever deaths involving medical personnel after six cases of the disease were recorded across the state.

Also read: Lassa Fever Deaths in Nigeria Rise to 155 Amidst Ongoing Outbreak

Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed at a press briefing in Jos on Friday that four fatalities had been recorded, including a medical doctor. Another doctor, he said, contracted the virus from an infected patient and is currently receiving treatment.

The confirmed cases were reported in Jos South, Jos North, Qua’an Pan, Wase, Shendam, and Mangu Local Government Areas.

Health authorities have commenced active contact tracing and surveillance in line with national and international public health protocols.

Baamlong explained that Lassa fever is caused by a virus transmitted primarily through contact with rats or exposure to bodily fluids of an infected person.

The virus can spread through contact with blood, urine, stool, or vomit of infected individuals, consumption of food or water contaminated by rodents, and unsafe burial practices.

The Commissioner listed symptoms to include persistent fever unresponsive to malaria treatment, headaches, body weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, bleeding from the mouth or nose.

Baamlong urged residents to maintain strict hygiene practices by keeping environments clean to deter rodents, storing grains and food items in rodent-proof containers, and ensuring water is properly covered.

Baamlong also advised clinicians to observe strict infection prevention and control measures when handling suspected cases to prevent clinical transmission.

Lassa Fever Death Toll in Nigeria Rises to 152 in 28 Weeks Residents were encouraged to promptly report any suspected case to the nearest healthcare facility.

Also read: Lassa Fever Death Toll in Nigeria Rises to 152 in 28 Weeks

The state government has supplied necessary drugs for treatment and personal protective equipment for health workers, while the Ministry of Health has launched public awareness campaigns and community education on the disease.