The Kano State Centre for Disease Control has confirmed a new case of Lassa fever in the state, prompting immediate “emergency response measures” to curb the spread of the virus.
The agency’s Director-General, Professor Muhammad Abbas, disclosed the development in a health advisory issued on Thursday. He said authorities have “intensified surveillance” and initiated “contact tracing” to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. The agency has also activated “rapid response mechanisms” across the state to address the situation.
“Following confirmation of the case, surveillance has been intensified, and response mechanisms have been activated across the state to monitor contacts and prevent further spread,” Abbas said.
Health officials are also carrying out “line-listing” of individuals to ensure the outbreak is quickly contained.
Lassa fever is a severe viral disease commonly transmitted by infected rodents, particularly the “multimammate rat.” Human-to-human transmission can also occur through bodily fluids. Experts noted that early symptoms often resemble illnesses such as malaria, including fever, headache and fatigue. In severe situations, patients may develop “bleeding from the nose, mouth, eyes, ears, or other body openings.”
The agency stressed that “early presentation” at health facilities is critical for survival.
“Early presentation at health facilities greatly improves survival chances. Residents experiencing persistent fever or related symptoms should seek medical attention immediately,” Abbas advised, cautioning residents against “self-medication.”
To strengthen the response, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has provided the health centre with “sufficient drugs and medical consumables” to manage potential cases. Residents have also been advised to maintain proper hygiene, including storing food in “tightly sealed containers” and avoiding “bush burning,” which may force rats into homes.
The agency added that controlling the disease is a “collective responsibility” and assured the public that further updates will be provided as investigations continue.