The Katsina State Government has confirmed a fresh case of Lassa fever, bringing the total number of recent infections in the state to four, with three fatalities already recorded.
An official of the State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr Kabir Sulaiman, disclosed this during a briefing with journalists, noting that the confirmed cases were identified in Funtua and Dan Musa local government areas.
According to him, “Out of the four confirmed cases, three have unfortunately resulted in deaths, while the only surviving patient, a female, is related to one of the deceased.”
Health authorities revealed that 44 individuals who had contact with the infected patients were promptly traced and placed under observation.
“Thirty-seven of those identified have since been discharged after completing the monitoring period,” a senior official stated.
The remaining patient is currently receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Centre of the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina and is said to be responding positively.
Officials emphasised that containment measures have been activated to prevent further spread of the disease.
“The government has put in place appropriate strategies to curb transmission and safeguard public health,” the agency added.
Medical experts have urged residents to maintain strict hygiene practices and avoid exposure to rodents, identified as the primary carriers of the virus.
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness endemic in parts of West Africa, often transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or faeces.
Katsina confirms new Lassa fever case as death toll rises to three
