Laser fever outbreak in Taraba

The government of Taraba has confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, which has reportedly killed one person.
The Taraba State Commissioner of Health, Innocent Vakkai, who confirmed this, also disclosed that two other people have been quarantined for close observation, as their blood samples have been taken to the Irrua Specialists’ Hospital in Edo State for further confirmation.”

Vakkai however said that the state government had responded to the outbreak quickly and therefore urged the public not to panic.

While not taking chances, he said the state has began mass awareness campaign on the highly infectious viral disease which is transmitted by rodents.

Consequently he has asked that anyone who experiences nasal bleeding as well as bleeding through the anus and mouth to report to the nearest hospital as they are among the symptoms of the fever.

He also elaborated on how the fever spreads.

“People usually get infected with the Lassa Virus after exposure to infected rodents, while person to person transmission occurs through direct contact with the sick person,” the commissioner said.

He called on the residents to avoid contact with rats especially in the areas where the outbreak occurred.

“Other precautionary measures include putting food in rodent proof containers and wearing protections such as masks, gloves, gowns among others,” he added