Taraba Verifies Lassa Fever Outbreak

Dr. Gbangsheya Buma, the Taraba State Commissioner for Health, has verified that the state is experiencing a viral hemorrhagic fever (Lassa) outbreak.

He said of the nine suspected cases registered at Federal Medical Center, FMC, Jalingo, eight have tested positive.

Speaking to newsmen via telephone, Dr. Buma, also assured that the state ministry of health is actively monitoring the situation and ready for any eventuality.

According to him, “It is not a surprising thing, this is the season and we have made preparations, though the outbreak may be overwhelming, I just received support from NCDC, the have sent some people here to provide technical support with the aim of stopping the progress of the disease.

“We are actually on top of it. We have provided support as a state to the FMC to provide free treatment to patients of lassa fever.

“Eight of the Nine blood samples from suspected cases collected from FMC Jalingo as of last Friday have been confirmed for Lassa fever.”

Also, Acting Head of Clinical Services at FMC Jalingo, Joseph Kuni, provided insight into the gravity of the situation.

According to him, “one of the hospital staff, a medical doctor, was also affected but has since been treated and discharged.”

Credit: Vangaurd