Kogi confirms 41 Lassa fever cases, seven deaths

By Derrick Bangura

Kogi State Government has confirmed 41 Lassa fever cases and seven deaths in the state since January.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Daniel Alonge, in Lokoja.
The statement added that Idah, Ibaji, Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Ofu, Okene, Okehi, Kabba and Adavi local councils reported at least one case during the period under review.

Alonge noted that the state’s Ministry of Health responded appropriately to the epidemic as a result Governor Yahaya Bello’s intervention in the timely release of funds to curb the outbreak.

“The ministry is collaborating with others, especially environment and agriculture, and partners to curtail the disease.
“The Ministry of Health has carried out community sensitisation in affected local councils, to enable them adopt healthy lifestyle, by keeping their environment clean, maintaining high standard of personal hygiene and preventing rats from having access to their foodstuff at home and in market places,” the perm sec said.

He also mentioned that the health workers in primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions had been adequately sensitised to have high index of suspicion for early diagnosis and treatment.
“Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers from the state and local council are following up on the situation for early case detection and timely reporting. The state’s efforts are yielding positive results, as the outbreak is going down based on our data. There are two active cases in stable condition receiving treatment at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, while 32 cases have been treated and discharged.

“We appeal to our citizens to avoid acts that could favour the further spread of the disease in the state, while the government will continue to do everything possible to curb the outbreak and prevent further spread,” the statement noted.