Acute Viral Hemorrhagic Fever In 44 Nigerian Army Health Facilities Kills Four In Two Days

Three members of staff of 44 Nigeria Army HealthCare Facilities (NARHK) and one patient have reportedly died following a suspected outbreak of Acute Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF).

The report was contained in an internal memo obtained by THE WHISTLER on Thursday, signed by the Acting Corp Commander Medical (CCM) of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General S.O. Okoigi dated February 21, 2024.

The memo revealed that the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department of 44 NARHK witnessed the loss in the last 48 hours with some in critical condition.

The document with number NAMC/G1/300/277 said the deceased persons and a patient had died from the suspected disease condition.

According to the memo, the outbreak followed the management of a patient with febrile illness, who was thought to have been the index patient with the disease 10 days ago, having presented with a febrile illness.

The document revealed that the common symptoms include fever and non-specific symptoms like malaria.

The memo read in part: “However, the illness was complicated by abnormal liver function, acute kidney failure, encephalopathy, microangiopathy, elevated D-Dimer among others.

“The A&E has been closed for a thorough disinfection process and samples have been taken from suspected contacts and the deceased and sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory in Kano for analysis.

“Similarly, the Kaduna State Epidemiologists have been invited to help in unravelling the aetiology of the febrile illness with a view to curtailing the spread of the disease.

“This is in addition to strict disease Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures that have been directed to be implemented.

“Ribavirin injection (antiviral agent) has also been commenced on other suspected cases and those identified on contact tracing. 44 NARHK have also been directed to suspend accepting new cases from the general public in the interim while the situation is being contained.”

The document noted that the significant risk of contracting VHF among healthcare workers underscores the need to strengthen IPC practices across all Nigerian Army health facilities.

“Prevention remains the best approach in dealing with such outbreaks since treatment options are limited against a background of high mortality often recorded as in the current case at 44 NARHK.

“This can be achieved by raising the level of hospital preparedness for VHF outbreaks through capacity building and ensuring the use of universal precautions when dealing with all patients.

“Sequel to the foregoing, it is imperative that all units put in place strict IPC measures immediately to safeguard hospital staff and patients.”

The memo noted that IPC guidelines are to be strategically located for all members of staff to see and adhere to.