Saturday, April 12, 2025 - A confirmed case of Lassa fever has been reported at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano State.
The hospital's Infection Prevention and Control Unit
disclosed that out of two suspected cases recently admitted, one tested
positive for the viral hemorrhagic illness.
Salisu Inuwa, spokesperson for the unit, stated that the
confirmed case was detected on April 5 in Garun Mallam Local Government Area.
He explained that the first suspected patient died before samples could be
collected for testing. “Last week, we had two suspected cases of Lassa fever.
Initially, both were classified as probable cases. Unfortunately, we were
unable to obtain a sample from the first patient, who passed away before
testing could be conducted. At the time of death, our doctors suspected either
Lassa fever or another viral hemorrhagic fever,” Inuwa said.
The second patient, who walked into the hospital
voluntarily, was tested and confirmed positive for Lassa fever. Following the
confirmation, the hospital activated its emergency response system and began
screening all individuals who had contact with the patient. Some hospital staff
reported mild symptoms resembling malaria, a condition that shares early signs
with Lassa fever. However, all individuals under observation remain stable and
have not required hospitalization.
“As a precautionary measure, screening was initiated
immediately. Fortunately, all individuals under observation are stable. None
have been hospitalized and they continue their regular activities under close
monitoring,” Inuwa added.
The Kano State Ministry of Health has been alerted to the
situation and has deployed a contact-tracing team to Garun Mallam to monitor
those who may have been exposed. “We immediately informed the state health
authorities, who have taken up the matter and are actively conducting contact
tracing in the affected community,” Inuwa confirmed.
He assured the public that the situation is being carefully
managed by both hospital and state health officials, and urged residents to
remain calm while staying alert. “The situation is under control. There is no
need for panic,” he said.
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