Lassa Kills 14 In Taraba

SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, (THEWILL) – A total number of 14 lives have been lost in Taraba, from January to date, due to Lassa fever.

This was disclosed to NAN, on Thursday, by Aisha Sani, Chairperson, Lassa Fever Committee, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo.

According to her, of the 49 suspected cases of the disease reported in the hospital, 21 persons were treated and discharged.

However, she disclosed that seven suspected Lassa fever patients on admission in the hospital had fled the facility.

“Seven persons had absconded. We are making frantic efforts to arrest and bring them back to the hospital before they infect others with the disease,” she said.

“We have our internal securities here, but the truth is that we need more to secure the Lassa fever unit.”

The doctor said laboratory test had so far confirmed four cases of the disease, while four suspected cases were referred to the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua, Edo.

“The four patients had already developed kidney failure and you know we don't have dialysis section here,” she said.

“Let me use this medium to appeal to the Federal Government to provide a dialysis unit in this hospital so that we can save lives.”

Sani said the hospital was currently handling two cases of the disease, adding that the worst affected areas in the state were Jalingo, Ardo-Kola and Bali local government areas.

The FMC officially confirmed the first death of three persons of Lassa fever disease on Jan. 5.

Story by David Oputah