The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, confirmed over the weekend in Jos that the state has recorded three cases of Lassa fever, resulting in two fatalities. According to Dr. Shurkuk, the cases were identified in Kanam and Shendam Local Government Areas (LGAs). One patient passed away in Shendam, while the other succumbed at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi. The third patient is currently receiving treatment.
In response, the state government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), swiftly deployed a rapid response team to the affected communities. The team conducted an on-the-spot assessment, sensitized residents on preventive measures, and ensured that all traced contacts tested negative for the virus.
Dr. Shurkuk urged the public to maintain proper environmental and personal hygiene to curb the spread of Lassa fever. He reassured residents that health workers have been adequately trained to manage such cases and emphasized that there is no cause for alarm.
