The Adamawa State Ministry of Health and Human Services has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state.
The outbreak of the highly infectious disease was confirmed after a corps member tested positive at the Damare National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp.
While confirming the development, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Zirra Mathias Bubanani, said “The corps member was confirmed positive following the release of an investigation on a sample taken from her by the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) Abuja when she was suspected to have presented symptoms similar to that of the fever.”
While contact tracing and isolations are going on, the Permanent Secretary urged members of the public to take necessary precautions by ensuring good hygiene and sanitation habits in addition to proper storage of leftover foods and food items to prevent rats infestation.
He urged the public to report those suspected to have symptoms similar to those of Lassa fever to health officers in their communities.
He further advised the public not to panic as the ministry with the support of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri in collaboration with all state domiciled health facilities, agencies, and partners are working hard to prevent the spread of the disease.