Kogi state confirms case of Lassa fever

Kogi state government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever in Angwan Kura in Lokoja, the state’s capital.

The confirmation was made by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Saka Haruna Audu, after a male patient who is a resident of Angwan Kura, reported at the medical centre with signs and symptoms suggestive of haemorrhagic fever.

According to him, the patient’s blood sample was immediately sent to the designated laboratory at the Federal Specialist Hospital Irrua, Edo State for analysis by the state epidemiologists which tested positive.

The patient was later transferred to the Federal Specialist Hospital in Irrua for optimal care.

“State Rapid Response Team was summoned and provisions were made for the source/contact tracing and prophylactic treatment for medical personnel who had contact with the patient before his transfer.

“All these have been concluded as all those who have had contact with the patient are currently being closely monitored.

“It is important to note that it was discovered that the patient had travelled to Ilorin, Kwara State where he had stayed for two weeks.

“ He only developed symptoms of haemorrhagic fever two days after his return. We are therefore uncertain whether he contracted the virus there or here in Lokoja.”

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