FCT Records Two Lassa Fever Cases

Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has confirmed the resurgence of Lassa Fever in the territory.

The Secretary, Health and Environmental Services Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe who made this known in Abuja said already two cases had been confirmed with no mortality yet.

The two suspected cases were reportedly imported from Bauchi State, and while the 14 months old tested positive, the 13 year old was negative.

It was also revealed that the second positive case was reported at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, and currently receiving care.

She further warned residents to desist from exposing their food to the reach of rats, and to also cultivate the habit of reporting strange symptoms to the nearest health centres.

” On the 15th of January, 2024, the FCT Public Health Department received an alert of Lassa Fever from a Clinician in Bwari General hospital ( BGH). A rapid response team was mobilised to investigate the case.

” Investigation revealed that they were high risk contacts of their mother. Samples were collected and sent to the National Reference Lab for confirmation”.

” The mother was a confirmed case, diagnosed at the Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. Following her demise, the father travelled on the 9th of January, 2024 to Bauchi to bring back the children who had accompanied their mother to Bauchi and returned to the FCT on the 12th of January, 2024.

” The PHD investigated them and daily monitored them for symptoms. The results came back positive for the 14 months old and negative for the 13 year old”.

By Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji