file photo: Doctors attend to a Lassa fever patient

Dr. Daniel Iya, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health has confirmed that four persons have lost their lives to Lassa fever outbreak in the state.

Iya told newsmen on Monday in Lafia that 16 suspected cases have been recorded in the state, out of which, four were confirmed positive  and all of them have died.

He explained that the index case for the current outbreak was recorded in November 2016 and died a day later, while the three others  died between Jan. 13 and Jan. 15.

According to Iya, the last three victims were discovers to be relatives of the index case, adding that 36 others, who had contact with the victims were being followed up.

He said the state government was doing its best with the assistance of the federal government through the provision of protective kits for medical personnel taking care of Lassa fever patients as well as drugs for treatment of the disease.

He said the state rapid response team  had stepped up sensitization updates for health workers to check the spread of the disease.

Iya urged  health workers in the state always follow standard procedures in taking care of patients in the hospital.

He also urged members of the public to report cases of fever promptly to the hospital as early detection was crucial to survival of patients in the case of Lassa fever. (NAN)