Lassa Fever Outbreak Hits Yola NYSC Camp As Corps Member Tests Positive

The Ministry of Health and Human services, Yola, in a press statement signed by Zirra M. Bubanani, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, has confirmed the outbreak of ‘Lassa Fever’ in Adamawa state.

The ministry made the confirmation after a member of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) from Damare orientation camp, tested positive, following the release of an investigation on a sample taken from her by the National Reference Laboratory (NRL), Abuja.

Prior to the confirmation, the Corp member was suspected to have presented symptoms similar to that of the fever (Lassa) by Health workers in Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola.

“While contact tracing/isolations are going on, the general public are hereby advised to take necessary precautions by adhering to ensure good hygiene and sanitation habits.

“Avoid unnecessary contacts, proper storage of leftover foods and food items in order to prevent rat infestations.

“Report to health officers in your community those suspected to have manifested symptoms similar to those of Lassa fever,” the statement partly read.

The ministry also called on the public not to panic, saying it’s working with the support of the Governor of the state, Ahmadu U. Fintiri, in collaboration with all state domiciled health facilities and agencies, non-governmental organisations and partners, to prevent the spread of the disease.

“A detailed press briefing will be presented by the Honourable commissioner for Health and Human Services Hon.Felix Bilishan Tangwami on Monday 4th March, 2024 at the conference Hall of the Ministry by 11:00am please,” the statement further said.