Kwara State Health Authorities Confirm Imported Lassa Fever Case, No Local Transmission
The Kwara State Ministry of Health has confirmed that a recent death involved a laboratory-positive case of Lassa fever, but stressed that there is no evidence of ongoing transmission within the state.
The patient was a 14-year-old boy from neighbouring Ogun State who was transported to Kwara for medical care. He was treated by healthcare workers at a facility in Kwara but subsequently died. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, stated that posthumous laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of the Lassa fever virus.
Upon receiving the confirmation, the state’s epidemiological team immediately activated its emergency response protocol. All healthcare personnel who provided care to the deceased, along with identified community contacts, have been placed under active surveillance and monitoring for the incubation period of the disease. The Ministry confirmed that appropriate preventive measures, including isolation protocols and the administration of prophylactic medication where indicated, were implemented for those exposed.
Dr. El-Imam reassured residents that the incident represents an imported case and that there is currently no sustained community transmission of Lassa fever in Kwara State. She urged the public to remain calm but vigilant.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, primarily transmitted through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission can occur via direct contact with the blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids of an infected person, particularly in healthcare settings.
The Commissioner emphasized that preventing local transmission hinges on public adherence to hygiene and rodent control measures. She advised residents to maintain clean homes and surroundings to minimize rodent infestation, the primary source of infection. Furthermore, she urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, or general weakness to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
The state’s rapid response underscores the heightened vigilance across Nigerian states following seasonal increases in Lassa fever cases. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have advised the public to practice rigorous personal and environmental hygiene as a key preventive strategy.
