A patient has been quarantined at the Yobe State Specialist hospital, Damaturu, after showing symptoms of the dreaded Lassa fever.
The man was reportedly brought to the hospital Friday morning, discharging blood from his nose and mouth.
Confirming the development, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Garba Fika said the status of the patient is yet to be clinically ascertained.
He said: "The patient was admitted and detained on suspicion for possible Lassa fever infection, while his blood sample was taken for analysis.
He explained that, "Only the blood analysis can ascertain clinically whether it's Lassa fever or other Viral Hemorrhagic fever infection, because they have common symptoms,".
The CMD appealed to residents of the area to remain calm as the state government has taken appropriate steps to curtail the spread of the disease.
A source at the Male Medical ward, where the middle aged man is kept, said staff from Public Health Department have collected a comprehensive list of people that had contact with the patient to avoid the disease being contagious.
"Although the patient was brought here on June 27 and 28, 2017 but he was admitted yesterday due to the suspected symptoms.
He added that, "List of all those in contact with the patient including hospital staff have been collected by public health to prevent spread of the disease if confirmed,".
