Reports from the Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) indicate the outbreak of Lassa fever, sparking fear among residents.
Health officials have already swung into action to contain the spread of the disease, including efforts to trace individuals who had contact with those infected.
The spokesperson of the hospital’s Infectious Disease Control Unit, Salisu Inuwa, confirmed the emergence of the Lassa fever case, saying the patient has been isolated.
According to Inuwa, the hospital received reports last week of two suspected Lassa fever cases.
He said the first patient died before his blood sample could be collected and tested at the hospital’s laboratory.
Reports say the second patient, who walked into the AKTH facility on his own, had his blood tested and was confirmed to be positive for Lassa fever.
The identity of the patient has been withheld, but it was confirmed that he hails from Garun Malam Local Government Area.
Following the confirmation of the Lassa outbreak, the AKTH management has rolled out emergency measures to protect the public, including screening of individuals for preventive purposes.
Reports indicate that some staff who had contact with the infected persons are now under observation, as they are exhibiting symptoms of fever.
In 2024, Nigeria recorded 1,005 cases of Lassa fever across 28 of the 36 states.
