No active case of lassa fever in Kwara — Health commissioner
The Kwara State Government has reassured residents that there is currently no confirmed case of Lassa fever in the state, urging the public to remain calm while maintaining preventive measures against the disease.
In a statement issued by Saad Hamdalat, the press secretary of the Ministry of Health, the government clarified that the recent incident involving a 14-year-old boy was an isolated case imported from Ogun State.
According to the statement, the teenager was brought into Kwara for medical care and was managed by clinicians in the state. Sadly, he passed away a few days later, after which laboratory results confirmed that he tested positive for Lassa fever.
The ministry explained that immediately the result was confirmed, the Kwara State Ministry of Health activated its rapid response protocols to prevent any possible spread of the virus.
“All healthcare workers who had contact with the patient, as well as identified community members, were promptly placed under observation and necessary preventive protocols, including isolation and administration of appropriate medications,” the statement noted.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, assured residents that there is no evidence of transmission within the state.
“There is currently no transmission of Lassa fever in Kwara State. We urge residents to remain calm but vigilant to prevent the disease from entering and gaining a foothold in the state,” she said.
Dr El-Imam emphasized the importance of maintaining proper hygiene practices, including keeping surroundings clean to prevent rodent infestation, storing food properly to keep out vermin, and regular handwashing with running water and soap.
She also advised residents experiencing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, or general weakness to promptly report to the nearest health facility for immediate medical attention.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the health of all residents and urged the public to rely only on verified information from official sources.
