Director of Public Health at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Dr Ibrahim Adamu, told newsmen in Lafia, the state capital that although no case has been reported in the state, but the ministry was not relenting in efforts to check any outbreak.
Umaru Tanko Al-Makura
“We got information about a suspected case involving a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi with symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever.
“We have gone to take her blood sample and sent to the diagnostic laboratory with the view to ascertain whether it is Lassa fever or not, but we have not gotten the report yet because the sample went today.
“Although, she was said to be vomiting blood without presenting with fever, but being a health worker and given reported case of outbreak of the Lassa-fever in parts of the country, those around her became apprehensive.
“We decided to take her blood sample for test in order to be on the safe side since we are in the season and Nasarawa is one of the endemic states for the disease,” Adamu added.
He said that as part of the proactive measures, the government has provided drugs and protective kits for health workers in case of an outbreak in the state.
Adamu also said that the ministry has intensified sensitization campaign on the disease using the media and other outfits to reach the people, especially those in the rural areas.
He noted that improved personal and environmental hygiene is key to stemming the tide of outbreak of diseases such as Lassa fever, cholera and others.
