The Federal Government has officially confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever in a military facility in Kaduna State, with 14 cases reported.
The Minister of State for the Environment, Iziak Salako, disclosed that out of the 12 suspected cases recorded in the 44 Army Referral Hospital, six fatalities occurred.
He said two cases were identified in another facility at Barau Dikko Hospital, and 92 individuals are under surveillance.
The confirmation follows a visit by the minister and a team to the affected facility on February 25, 2024, to assess the situation.
To address and control the spread of Lassa fever, Minister Salako launched the National Deratization Framework exercise.
In a statement issued by Ibrahim Haruna, the head of the press and public relations unit at the Federal Ministry of Health, the minister emphasized the importance of deratization in preventing the disease’s transmission.
Registrar of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Yakubu Muhammad, reiterated the minister’s directive for all facilities, public or private, including hotels, markets, restaurants, and recreation centres, to undergo derivatization.
He said the establishments will be issued a Derating Exemption Certificate by EHCON upon completion.
Muhammad highlighted the ministry’s commitment to capacity building and updating practitioners on innovative approaches to control and address Lassa fever.
He emphasized the role of health education, promotion, and community awareness in the fight against the disease.
He urged members of the public to rat-proof food storage, manage waste properly, and refrain from consuming bush meat during this period.
Farmers were cautioned against drying produce on roads, as rats may contaminate the food.
Muhammad emphasized the residual effect of the Lassa fever virus even after an animal’s death, advising caution in handling and consumption.
He, however, expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the government and citizens would combat the spread of Lassa fever.
