The Katsina State Government has reported a fresh case of Lassa fever, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the state to four, with three fatalities already recorded.
Dr. Kabir Sulaiman of the State Primary Health Care Agency disclosed this development during a media briefing, explaining that the cases were detected in Funtua and Dan Musa local government areas.
According to him, “Out of the four confirmed cases, three have unfortunately resulted in deaths, while the only surviving patient, a female, is related to one of the deceased.”
Health authorities moved quickly to contain the situation by tracing individuals who had contact with the infected patients. A total of 44 contacts were identified and placed under close observation to prevent further spread of the disease.
“Thirty-seven of those identified have since been discharged after completing the monitoring period,” a senior official stated.
The remaining patient is currently receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Centre of the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina. Officials report that she is responding positively to treatment.
In response to the outbreak, the government has activated containment strategies aimed at limiting transmission and protecting public health.
“The government has put in place appropriate strategies to curb transmission and safeguard public health,” the agency added.
Medical experts have also issued public health advice, urging residents to adopt strict hygiene practices and minimize exposure to rodents, which are the primary carriers of the virus.
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness commonly found in parts of West Africa. It is typically transmitted through contact with food, surfaces, or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to prevent further infections.
