An outbreak of Lassa fever in Taraba State has been confirmed by the state government.

“One person died and two others quarantined and their blood samples have already been taken to Irrua Specialists’ Hospital in Edo State for further confirmation," the state's Commissioner of Health, Innocent Vakkai, said.

Mr. Vakkai advised the public not to panic as the state government had responded swiftly to the outbreak.

“People usually get infected with the Lassa Virus after exposure to infected rodents, while person to person transmission occurs through direct contact with the sick person,” the commissioner said.

He called on the residents to avoid contact with rats especially in the areas where the outbreak occurred.

He also urged people who suspect they've been infected to report to the nearest hospital immediately.

A Lassa Fever outbreak had occurred in Taraba in February 2012. 10 people died from the outbrak including a doctor and two nurses who attended to the patients.


Premium Times