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An outbreak of Lassa fever at the Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) has sparked concern among residents, prompting swift containment efforts by health authorities.
Officials at the hospital’s Infectious Disease Control Unit confirmed the outbreak, with measures already underway to prevent further spread, including tracing individuals who had direct contact with infected patients.
Speaking on the situation, Salisu Inuwa, spokesperson of the Infectious Disease Control Unit, disclosed that the hospital received two suspected Lassa fever cases last week.
He revealed that one of the patients died before a blood sample could be collected and tested. The second patient, who independently presented himself at the facility, tested positive for Lassa fever following laboratory examination.
While the identity of the confirmed patient has not been disclosed, sources confirmed he is from Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State.
Inuwa confirmed that the infected individual has since been placed in isolation, and that all necessary precautions are being taken to manage the case and prevent additional transmissions.
In response to the confirmed case, AKTH management has launched emergency protocols, including routine screening of patients and staff to identify potential symptoms of infection early.
Reports indicate that several hospital staff who came into contact with the infected patients are now being monitored closely, as some are already exhibiting symptoms of fever.
This development adds to growing concerns as Nigeria recorded over 1,000 cases of Lassa fever across 28 states in 2024 alone, according to official health data.