Lassa fever, also Lassa Haemorrhagic Fever (LHF) is caused by the consumption of items contaminated with the faeces and urine of rodents like rats by humans.
Since the outbreak was detected between December of 2019 and early January 2020, the Lassa fever is said to have spread through 26 states of the 36 states.
Some of the states with confirmed cases are; Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Adamawa, Abia, Benue, Borno, Rivers, Delta, Kogi, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Ogun, Plateau, Nassarawa, Taraba, Cross River and others.
About 70 deaths have been recorded worldwide and about 472 confirmed cases. Also, about 14 health workers have been declared to be infected with the virus.
Four patients receiving treatment in Gombe are said to be responding to treatment according to the hospitals acting chief medical director.
Prevention;
· Avoid eating contaminated food.
· Properly store consumables away from rodents.
· Wash your fruits before you eat them.
· Wash your hands with soap and water.
If not available, try to use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
