The Kwara State Ministry of Health has clarified that there is currently no confirmed case of Lassa fever in the state, despite the recent death of a 14-year-old boy who later tested positive for the disease.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, explained that the teenager was a resident of Ogun State who was brought into Kwara for medical treatment. He was attended to by healthcare workers but died a few days later. According to the commissioner, laboratory tests conducted after his death confirmed he had Lassa fever.
“Following the confirmation, the Kwara State Ministry of Health immediately swung into action and activated its rapid response measures,” El-Imam said.
She stated that all healthcare workers who had contact with the deceased, along with identified members of the community, were immediately placed under observation. Necessary preventive measures were implemented, including isolation protocols and the administration of appropriate medication where required.
El-Imam assured residents that there is no ongoing transmission of Lassa fever in Kwara State and urged the public not to panic. However, she advised residents to remain vigilant and maintain proper hygiene practices to prevent the disease from spreading into the state. She stressed the importance of keeping homes and surroundings clean to reduce rodent infestation, a primary source of Lassa fever transmission.
The commissioner also encouraged anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache or general weakness to promptly report to the nearest health facility for medical attention.