Plateau State government has confirmed 17 new Lassa fever cases with five deaths. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kamshak Kuden, who confirmed the new cases of Lassa fever to our correspondent yesterday in Jos, said so far the state had recorded five deaths within the past few days.
The commissioner said the new cases were found in Jos North, Jos South, Riyom and Bassa local government areas. Kuden disclosed that initially 33 cases were suspected, but only the reported 17 were confirmed with five deaths so far.
He said: “Fifteen of the patients are currently being treated at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, while two are also receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).”
The commissioner added that a Rapid Response Team earlier constituted by Governor Simon Lalong had swung into action to curtail the spread of the disease.
He said: “The team met last week and is expected to meet again tomorrow (today) to chart a way forward on the development. The state governor has equally approved the release of funds for the infrastructural, manpower and other logistical needs of the team.”
Kuden also admitted that the Federal Government Team had got some drugs for the treatment of Lassa fever patients. The Nigerian Army Headquarters 3 Division, Jos had reported the death of an officer from suspected Lassa fever a fortnight ago. The officer was said to have been admitted at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, until his death.
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