, Dr. Usman Yahaya Umar, has urged Kano residents to take preventive measures){kind=link}
A consultant clinical microbiologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Dr. Usman Yahaya Umar, has urged Kano residents to take preventive measures following the confirmation of Lassa fever cases in the state.
The warning comes after two cases were confirmed at AKTH, with one of the patients reportedly succumbing to the disease, raising growing concerns about public health safety in the state.
Lassa Fever Endemic in West Africa
Dr. Umar explained that Lassa fever is a viral disease endemic in several West African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, and Sierra Leone. The disease was first discovered in 1969 in the town of Lassa, now in Borno State, Nigeria.
Diagnosis and Testing
Umar noted that diagnosing Lassa fever involves laboratory testing of body fluids to detect the virus. Blood tests and other diagnostic tools play a crucial role in early identification, which he said is vital for effective treatment.
“These diagnostic tests are crucial for identifying the virus in the early stages, which can lead to better outcomes with prompt treatment,” he said.
Treatment and Early Intervention
Treatment typically includes the antiviral medication ribavirin, along with supportive care such as intravenous fluids, medications, or blood transfusions in more severe cases.
Dr. Umar stressed the importance of early intervention to improve survival chances and reduce complications.
Preventive Measures in Homes and Farms
He called on households and farming communities to adopt preventive habits to minimize exposure to rodents—the primary carriers of the virus.
“People should keep their kitchens and food storage areas clean, cover and properly store food, wash hands regularly, and use rat poison to reduce rodent populations,” he said.
He also recommended sealing holes and crevices in homes and keeping cats, which are natural predators of rodents.
Contact Tracing and Containment Efforts at AKTH
In response to the confirmed cases, Dr. Umar confirmed that AKTH has already begun contact tracing and implemented additional precautionary measures.
“We are actively working to trace contacts and have implemented additional precautions to contain the situation,” he added.
He assured the public that there is no cause for panic, as health experts are in control and working diligently to curb the spread of the disease.