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KOGI STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH ON OUTBREAK OF LASSA
FEVER IN THE STATE
It has become very important for us as a Ministry to brief the Press on the outbreak of lassa fever in some Local Government Areas of the State and the response efforts
So far, Kogi State is one of the 23 states in Nigeria that has recorded at least one positive case of Lassa fever.
Kogi State has recorded 41 confirmed cases of lassa fever with 7 deaths between the first week of January 2022 to date.
Nine (9) local government areas namely Idah, Ibaji, Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Ofu, Okene, Okehi, Kabba and Adavi has reported at least one confirmed case during this period.
The State Ministry of Health has responded appropriately and timely to the epidemic as a result of the high political will demonstrated by his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, by timely release of funds to curb the outbreak.
The Ministry is collaborating with other line Ministries (Ministry of Environment and ministry of Agriculture) and Partners to curtail the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.
The State Ministry of Health has carried out community sensitization activities in Local Government Areas affected by the outbreak. This is to enable them adopt healthy lifestyle, by keeping their environment clean, maintain high standard of personal hygiene and prevent rats from having access to their foodstuff both at home and in market places. They have also been sensitized to report suspected cases to the
nearest health facility for prompt attention.
Radio jingles on Lassa fever preventive measures, signs and symptoms are ongoing on radio kogi in English and major local languages in the State through the booster
stations.
The health workers in our primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions have been adequately sensitized to have high index of suspicion for early diagnosis and “treatment. Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers from the State Ministry of Health and Local Governments are following up the situation for early case
detection and timely reporting.
The State Ministry of Health is also supporting confirmed Lassa fever patients with funds to aid their treatment at Iruaa . The efforts of the State Government is yielding positive result as the outbreak is going down based on our data. Currently there are two active cases in stable condition receiving treatment at Irrua Specialists Teaching Hospital while 32 cases have been treated and discharged.
We appeal to our citizens to avoid acts that could favour further spread of the disease in the state while government will continue to do everything possible to
curb the outbreak and prevent further spread. Thank you and God bless.
Mr Alonge Daniel Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health
