By Iyemah David
The recent outbreak of Lassa fever at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, prompted a collaborative response with Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) and Federal Ministry of Health.
Professor Reuben Eifediyi, Chief Medical Director, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, and lead of the response team, said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.
On February 24, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), confirmed that Lassa Fever was responsible for the death of three health workers and one patient at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, (44 NARHK).
Four of the six blood samples from suspected cases at the hospital sent to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, were confirmed for Lassa Fever.
While 25 close contacts of all the cases were being monitored and were placed on prophylactics (preventive medication).
Prof. Eifediyi said that the outbreak resulted in the deployment of a specialised emergency response team, which was made up of experts in Lassa fever management and infection prevention.
He said that though there were initial challenges, including inadequate resources and staffing, the response team successfully contained the outbreak through real-time laboratory testing, isolation, and treatment of confirmed cases.
“Real-time PCR testing was conducted, leading to the identification and treatment of confirmed cases.
“Three confirmed cases were successfully treated and discharged, with no further fatalities,” he said.
He said that the incident underscored the importance of effective partnerships and rapid mobilisation of expertise in addressing public health emergencies.
He said that health workers at the hospital went through training on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), measures.
He recommended structural improvement, staffing, training, equipment provision, and hygienic measures.
He also made recommendations for capacity building and the establishment of a biosafety molecular laboratory at the hospital.
