Plateau state Government takes Swift Action Against Lassa Fever Outbreak

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manassah Mutfwang, has swiftly responded to the Lassa fever outbreak in Takwar community, Kanam Local Government Area, by ordering immediate intervention. The State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, led a delegation to the community for an on-the-spot assessment, aiming to sensitize the people and prevent the disease's spread.

The team, comprising representatives from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), National Primary Health Care Agency, World Health Organization (W.H.O.), State Ministry of Health, and State Primary Health Care Development Board, worked together to address the outbreak. Anietie Akpan, team leader of NCDC, assured support to the state and emphasized the need for laboratory capacity to reduce fatality rates.

Akpan noted that Plateau State successfully managed Lassa fever 16 years ago, but now faces challenges in laboratory testing, which delays results. He urged the government to enhance laboratory services and implement immediate actions to minimize fatalities. The commissioner was also encouraged to establish a laboratory system and strengthen active case search and survey systems.

Key stakeholders, including the Emir of Kanam, Muhammad Muazu Muhammad, were called upon to educate the community on proper hygiene practices and support health workers during surveys. The chairman of Kanam Local Government Area, Ayuba Salibu Musa, appreciated the government's swift response and commended their concern for the people's well-being.

The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO), Musa Shaibu Musa, reported that the index case had died, while the wife was receiving treatment at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi. Twenty contact persons were being monitored, and the team visited the Emir of Kanam to appreciate the government's intervention and emphasize the need for education on health-related issues.