An ecologist extracts a sample of blood from a Mastomys Natalensis rodent in the village of Jormu in southeastern Sierra Leone February 8, 2011. Lassa fever, named after the Nigerian town where it was first identified in 1969, is among a U.S. list of "category A" diseases -- deemed to have the potential for major public health impact -- alongside anthrax and botulism. The disease is carried by the Mastomys Natalensis rodent, found across sub-Saharan Africa and often eaten as a source of protein. It infects an estimated 300,000-500,000 people each year, and kills about 5,000. Picture taken February 8, 2011. To match Reuters-Feature BIOTERROR-AFRICA/ REUTERS/Simon Akam (SIERRA LEONE - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY ANIMALS) - GM1E72F07HC01
Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), said 41 persons have died of Lassa fever from January to date in the state.
Mohammed, who disclosed this in Bauchi on Saturday, noted that lassa fever is more deadly than Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The PHCDA boss explained that a case of Coronavirus reported early have greater chances to get treated and recovers.
He added that most cases of lassa fever were reported late, hence the number of death of patients.
“We just recorded another two deaths resulting from lassa fever. This has brought the total number of deaths as a result of lassa fever to forty-one.
“Coronavirus has been with us since 23rd of March this year, however, we have only recorded three deaths as a result of the virus.
“Most of Coronavirus cases reported early, have greater chances to recovery compare to lassa fever infested people,” he said.
He expressed concern that lassa fever infested cases, always seek for medical attention late.
According to him, until they have fever, they start bleeding from faeces, when it would have already been too late before they report.
“Now we have 41 people who have lost their lives due to lassa fever contrast to three people who have lost their lives to Coronavirus,” he said.
He said the state government has intensified training of staff on how to carry out effective fumigation and spraying.
He added that the state government would be embarking on a massive spraying and decontamination of communities in order to combat lassa fever in the state.
Mohammed, however, urged residents to also contribute their own quota by always reporting any suspected case of Lassa fever in the state as early diagnosis and treatment could help patients to recover. (NAN)
