By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Jigawa State Ministry of Health has confirmed one death from Lassa fever in Babura Local Government Area, prompting immediate public health interventions to prevent further spread of the disease.
In a statement signed by information officer Babura local government Suleman Daudu stated that a Rapid Response Team from the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health visited Babura General Hospital to investigate the suspected case and to strengthen preventive and control measures.
Speaking during the visit, the World Health Organization–supported APHO, Dr. Sabiu Aliyu, who led the team, disclosed that the deceased was a resident of Gari Uku village in Babura Local Government Area.
According to him, the patient, identified as Habibu Haruna, was admitted at Babura General Hospital with symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever and was later referred to Rashid Shekoni Teaching Hospital, where laboratory tests confirmed the infection.
Dr. Sabiu Aliyu further revealed that investigations showed the deceased had recently travelled to Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which is being considered in the ongoing epidemiological assessment.
He stated that essential drugs and personal protective equipment (PPE) have been supplied to Babura General Hospital, while contact tracing and active surveillance have commenced.
He added that members of the community where the deceased resided, as well as health personnel who managed the case, have been placed under surveillance throughout the incubation period to curb further transmission.
The Jigawa State Ministry of Health reassures residents that all necessary measures are being taken and urges the public to promptly report any symptoms such as fever, vomiting, bleeding, or general weakness to the nearest health facility.
