The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Kunden Deyin, has said Lassa fever has killed 10 people in the state, adding that 28 new cases of the disease has been recorded. Deyin told the News Agency of Nigeria in Jos on Thursday that 64 cases were taken to the laboratory for confirmation out of which 28 were confirmed to be Lassa fever.

 

He said one of the confirmed cases was imported from Kaduna State, adding that most of the affected persons were responding to treatment. Deyin advised the state residents to report immediately to the nearest health facility whenever they had indications of any form of fever.

 

The commissioner said, “Lassa fever presents like any other fever, with symptoms such as headache, body pain and general feeling of being unwell. Therefore, anyone who is feeling feverish should visit the hospital immediately.

 

“Prompt presentation is the key to reducing the mortality rate associated with the disease, but most times, patients do come to the hospitals late.

 

“However, all health workers should make referrals to other health facilities such as the tertiary health facilities, when you cannot handle such cases like Lassa fever that require prompt medical attention.” Deyin also advised the people to keep their environment clean by ensuring that their houses were not rodent-friendly.

 

He added that residents should store all grains in rodent-proof containers.