Lassa Fever Spreads To Plateau, Kills 5

The plateau state health commissioner, Kunden Deyin has said Lassa fever has killed five persons in the state.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Jos, Deyin noted that 33 cases were taken to the laboratory for confirmation, where 17 were confirmed to be cases of Lassa fever.

It was gathered that 73 persons, who had primary and secondary contacts with the patients, were being monitored.

“The 73 persons are currently being monitored. We shall do that for 21 days because the incubation period is from six to 21 days.

“After the 21 days, those not affected by the disease will be discharged from the contact tracing list and certified free of Lassa fever.”

Lassa fever, also known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever (LHF), is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. Many of those infected by the virus do not develop symptoms. When symptoms occur they typically include fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, and muscle pains.

Deyin, however, advised people to be alert and report symptoms such as headache, body pain and a general feeling of being unwell, for prompt checks.