• We don’t know their whereabouts – NMA
From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
AS a result of the reported outbreak of Lassa Fever at St. Louis Hospital, Zonkwa in Zango Kataf Local Government area of Kaduna State, which claimed the lives of three persons, including a Corps doctor, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kaduna Chapter, yesterday, made public that it cannot ascertain the whereabouts of two persons suspected to have been infected with the virus.
The two persons, now at large, were among those believed to have had contact with the deadly disease in Kachia Local Government and Kawo, in Kaduna North Local Government areas of the state.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna, state chairman, Dr Muhammed Ibrahim, revealed that the two persons; a male from Kachia Hospital and a female from Kawo General Hospital, who were referred to Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital for possible quarantine, ran away without a trace.
According to him, “about 10 primary and 28 secondary contacts of the three dead Lassa fever patients at Saint Louis Hospital in Zonkwa, are currently under surveillance while another nurse at the hospital, who tested positive to the disease, has been placed under isolation at the State Infectious Disease Centre in Kakuri, Kaduna South Local Government Area.”
On how to combat the epidemic in the state, Dr. Ibrahim said, the association was creating awareness on preventive measures, sensitising the clinicians both in public and private hospitals on how to observe high index of suspicion and to observe universal precautions as they handle patients in all facilities.
“We are aware of the various efforts of the federal and state governments in the creation and circulation of management protocols as well as supply of the antiviral drug ( Ribavirin) which, if given early, can reduce morbidity and mortality.
“We are also aware of the efforts of the state Epidemiology Unit and the State Rapid Response team who have ensured a timely response to all reports in the state,” he said.
“Family members and health care workers are advised to always exercise caution and avoid contact with blood fluids while caring for sick persons, while suspected cases should be reported immediately because the treatment outcome is best if the treatment is commenced early,” he warned.
Sent from Ojo Sola