Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nasarawa State

Four people, including two pregnant women, have died from suspected Lassa fever in Awe Local Government Area of Nigeria — Nasarawa State. The General Hospital has been shut down, and health workers, including the Medical Superintendent, have been isolated. Abdullahi Ahmad Tibbo, a Disease Surveillance Officer, highlighted poor handling of suspected cases and a lack of motorcycles for surveillance officers as major challenges. He also noted that six suspected patients conveyed for isolation in Lafia escaped before their laboratory results were released. Ovey Polycarp, a nurse at General Hospital, expressed fear among health workers due to the lack of protective equipment. Dr. Peter Attah, Director of Public Health at the Nigeria — Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, confirmed one case of Lassa fever in Awe, stating the patient died before results were released. Fumigation is ongoing at General Hospital to prevent further spread.