From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
A pregnant woman and two Doctors have died at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) over health complications suspected to be Lassa Fever.
The AUTHORITY learnt from hopsital sources that the disease was traced to the pregnant woman from Bauchi state who had a cesarean operation at the hospital three weeks ago.
The two Doctors who lost their lives include a House Officer in the hospital, Ummu Kulthum was said to have died on Friday, while a Anaesthetist Consultant, Habeeb Musa died on Monday.
A statement from the Kano state branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) confirmed the incident.
The Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Kano State Ministry of Health, Dr. Imam Wada Bello who spoke to journalists on the issue said, “so far we received a report of three deaths from AKTH whom we are suspecting to be the case of Lassa Fever. So far, two samples were sent to the Reference Laboratory. We are awaiting the results.
“Immediately after we heard of the case, we dispatched our Rapid Response Team to investigate through the contact listing. We have activated our Isolation Centre at Yargawa where we manage such cases.
“Government has given us approval to pre-position drugs and protective personal equipments. The Commissioner has briefed the Governor and convened Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee. Decisions are being taken on the issue.”
