Taraba Confirms Outbreak Of Lassa Fever

Dr. Gbangsheya Buma, Taraba State Commissioner for Health, has announced an outbreak of viral hemorrhagic fever (Lassa) in the state.

Nine suspected cases were recorded at the Federal Medical Centre, or FMC, in Jalingo, and the commissioner disclosed that eight people tested positive.

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He reassured them that the state Ministry of Health is actively monitoring the situation and prepared for any eventuality. Buma said; “It is not a surprising thing, this is the season and we have made preparations, though the outbreak may be overwhelming, I just received support from NCDC, they have sent some people here to provide technical support with the aim of stopping the progress of the disease.

“We are actually on top of it. We have provided support as a state to the FMC to provide free treatment to patients of Lassa fever.

“Eight of the Nine blood samples from suspected cases collected from FMC Jalingo as of last Friday have been confirmed for Lassa fever.”

Speaking on the epidemic, the acting Head of Clinical Services at FMC Jalingo, Joseph Kuni said; “One of the hospital staff, a medical doctor, was also affected but has since been treated and discharged.”

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Nnamdi Okoli