Four people have died of Lassa fever in Plateau State, according to Commissioner of Health, Kunde Deyin, who confirmed the deaths, yesterday.
The four deaths were against the backdrop of the death of a soldier attached to 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barrack, Jos, which was also confirmed by the Nigerian Army which announced his death from the disease.
The four deaths also come two days after the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control announced a Lassa fever outbreak in the country. Deyin also said 16 people tested positive of Lassa fever and that they are currently receiving treatment at Bingham Teaching Hospital Jos (Jankwano) and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
According to the commissioner, 25 cases were initially sampled out which 16 tested positive of Lassa fever.
“Four people have died of the disease. 25 cases were tested and 16 have been confirmed positive. Those who have been tested positive are currently receiving treatment at Bingham Teaching Hospital and Jos University Teaching Hospital,” the commissioner said.
Deyin added that the disease is prevalent in five local government areas of Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, Riyom and Shendam. He said the state government is putting plans in place to control the spread of the disease, commonly spread by infected rats.