Six suspected lassa fever patients escape from isolation centre

Anxiety has gripped Lafia and Awe local government areas of Nasarawa State following the escape of six persons suspected to have been exposed to Lassa fever from an isolation centre.

The suspects were said to have been taken to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital isolation facility after they were identified as contacts of a patient who reportedly died from symptoms linked to Lassa fever. Blood samples were taken and sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reference laboratory in Abuja for confirmation.

However, before the laboratory results were released, the six individuals reportedly escaped from the isolation centre, allegedly due to complaints over inadequate feeding, sparking fears of possible spread of the disease among residents.

READ ALSO: Lassa fever affects 21 states cases increase in Nigeria

Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Health at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Dr Peter Attah, said health officials later tracked the escapees to a relative’s residence in Lafia and ensured they had no contact with members of the public.

Attah disclosed that all six later tested negative for Lassa fever, adding that only one confirmed case, involving a pregnant woman from Awe Local Government Area, has been recorded in the state.

Meanwhile, health authorities said the development heightened tension in Awe, where three deaths linked to Lassa fever–like symptoms had earlier been recorded. The General Hospital in Awe was temporarily shut and fumigated as a precautionary measure.

READ ALSO: Lassa Fever Outbreak: 152 dead, 105 LGAs affected in Nigeria, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo worst hit

The state government has urged residents to remain calm, observe preventive measures, and promptly report any symptoms such as fever, bleeding or weakness to health facilities.

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