Lassa fever: One dies, five hospitalised in Plateau

One person has been confirmed dead and five others  lying critically ill in two  hospitals in Jos following the outbreak of Lassa fever in  Plateau State.

There were also reports of  fresh outbreak of cholera in Rikkos and Nassarawa area of Jos North LGA of the state.

Not fewer than 10  people were said to be currently under going treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

Confirming the outbreak of the disease and the death of one person , the  Deputy Director, Epidemiology in the State Ministry of Health , Dr. Raymond Juryit, who spoke with our correspondent,  said there were cases of suspected lassa fever in the state.

He explained that four infected persons  were being treated at the  Bingham Hospital, Jos, while  one person was being  treated  at a  hospital in  Jingri,   Bassa Local Government of the state.

Juryit  added that the state government  was taking necessary steps to prevent a spread of the outbreak and had already taken specimens for confirmation.

He said, “We have already communicated  with the ministry of health to help us with drugs for the treatment of  Lassa fever”

He advised people to maintain a clean environment and safeguard food items from rats, which are known to be carriers of the disease.

Juryit  also confirmed new cases of cholera in the state.