Lassa Fever: NMA warns health workers to maintain precautionary measures

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has warned healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and observe standard precautionary measures at all times and in the course of their duties.

In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Shuaibu Joga Joga, the NMA said the call for precautionary measures followed the suspected outbreak of lassa fever at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

The Association confirmed the death of a nurse, one pharmacist, one paramedic and a patient in Kaduna on Thursday, saying that the death was recorded within 48 to 72 hours following contact from a patient with febrile illness.

According to Joga, six samples have already been taken for the suspected cases and awaiting confirmation while contact tracing is being intensified by the State Epidemiologist and team.

The statement said, “We call on government, hospital managements and proprietors of private health facilities across the State to ensure the provision and use of PPEs (Personal Protective Equipments) for all healthcare workers to further reduce risk of transmission.”

He said the NMA would continue to sensitize members and the general public on preventive measures to prevent further spread of the disease in Kaduna State.