Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mohammed Lere
Published on 2024-02-23 05:19:00
The Kaduna State Government has directed an immediate probe into the deaths of three health workers and one patient at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna (44 NARHK). According to a statement by the spokesperson for Governor Uba Sani, Mohammed Shehu, the fatalities were recorded from a suspected outbreak of Lassa fever at the Army hospital, with three other patients currently being managed for similar symptoms. The army medical authorities, in an earlier statement, linked the symptoms to what they described as acute Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) and sent samples to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory in Kano for analysis.
The deceased workers were said to be attached to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department, where a non-military patient had earlier presented with similar symptoms before eventually dying. Following the outbreak, all Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been instituted at the facility, which remains closed to the public until full containment is achieved.
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) are a group of diseases caused by distinct families of viruses, including Lassa fever, Ebola, Dengue fever, and Yellow fever. The common symptoms in those affected include fever and nonspecific symptoms resembling malaria, with complications such as abnormal liver function and acute kidney failure. In light of the outbreak, the state government has directed the health ministry to enhance surveillance across the state in collaboration with local government health departments.
A surveillance team was promptly mobilized to assess the situation, and containment measures were initiated alongside the hospital management. The state Ministry of Health and management of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital are working to contain the situation, and those who came in contact with the infected individuals have been identified and are closely monitored while receiving urgent medical treatment.
As part of its IPC measures, the military authorities have invited the state’s epidemiologists to help identify the cause of the febrile illness. Ribavirin injection, an antiviral agent, has also been commenced on other suspected cases and those identified through contact tracing. The 44 NARHK has been directed to suspend accepting new cases from the general public while the situation is being contained.
The army authority emphasized the need to strengthen IPC practices across all Nigerian Army health facilities and reiterated that prevention is the best approach in dealing with such outbreaks, as treatment options are limited. It also advised that all units put in place strict IPC measures immediately to safeguard hospital staff and patients.
In response to the outbreak, the Kaduna State Government has taken swift and comprehensive action to contain the spread of the illness and provide urgent medical treatment to those affected. The government’s proactive approach in enhancing surveillance and collaborating with local health departments demonstrates its commitment to managing public health emergencies effectively.
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In conclusion, the Kaduna State Government and the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital are working in tandem to contain the outbreak and provide necessary treatment to those affected. The situation remains under close monitoring, and stringent measures are being taken to limit the spread of the illness. The government remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.
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