Lassa fever outbreak in Kano claims one life, two others infected
A recent Lassa fever outbreak in Kano has resulted in one death and two additional infections, according to health officials. Mohammed Adamu, Director-General of the Kano Centre for Disease Control, confirmed the incidents and outlined the steps taken to control the situation. The deceased, a staff member of Médecins Sans Frontières, reportedly contracted the disease shortly after arriving in Nigeria. Authorities have traced dozens of contacts and are intensifying efforts to prevent further spread.
Highlights
- Mohammed Adamu said the index case was a French national from Médecins Sans Frontières who died from Lassa fever complications.
- The victim developed symptoms about a week after arriving in Nigeria and passed away after her condition worsened.
- Contact tracing identified a doctor from Minjibir and another woman who also contracted the infection; both are currently in isolation.
- Authorities traced 62 contacts across five local government areas, with 25 considered at risk and three testing positive.
- The Ministry of Environment plans to fumigate affected areas to eliminate rats, the primary carriers of the disease.
