The Plateau State government has confirmed the death of three additional persons from Lassa fever, as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak across the state.
The confirmation followed the death of Dr. Salome Oboyi, a resident doctor at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Jos, who reportedly contracted the disease from a patient under her care.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed the latest fatalities during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, noting that laboratory tests had confirmed the victims were infected with the viral disease.
According to Baamlong, Plateau State has so far recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa fever, with three deaths.
“The state has recorded confirmed cases of Lassa fever. So far, we have eight laboratory-confirmed cases and three deaths,” the commissioner said.
He stated that the state government had activated emergency response mechanisms to curb the spread of the disease, including contact tracing, active surveillance, and public health interventions across affected communities and health facilities.
Baamlong further disclosed that Plateau State had received vaccines from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to strengthen response efforts, adding that more supplies were expected.
“We have intensified contact tracing and surveillance across the state. Vaccines have been provided, and we are expecting more from the NCDC. Residents should remain calm but vigilant,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as maintaining proper hygiene, storing food and household items away from rodents, and seeking early medical attention if symptoms including persistent fever, headache, or vomiting occur.
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