Nigerian Army confirms outbreak of Lassa Fever in Kaduna reference hospital

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1 year ago

February 22, 2024

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The Nigerian Army has confirmed “suspicious” outbreak of acute Viral Hemorrhagic disease, popularly known as Lassa Fever, in the Accident and Emergency unit of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (NARHK), Kaduna.

Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement released on Thursday, February 22, said the entire hospital facility has been disinfected, while immediate closure and evacuation of the Accident and Emergency ward of the 44 NARHK has been ordered to allow for thorough fumigation, decontamination and emplacement of other measures of Infection Prevention Control (IPC).

He said;

“In line with best practice in managing such a situation, contact tracing to what is believed to be the index case has been made to a non-military patient who was referred to 44 NARHK from a peripheral medical facility.

“The suspected index patient was managed but subsequently died two weeks ago in the hospital. Sadly, three medical staff of the hospital that had direct contact with the suspected index case have also died within the past 48 hours.

“In response to the suspected outbreak, directives have been passed that Prevention Control (IPC) measures in and around all military health care facilities in Kaduna be stepped up as part of measures to curtail further spread and loss of lives. In this way, all medical staff of the hospital, their family members and other patients on the contact tracing list have commenced appropriate management and so far nothing of concern has been observed.

“As a responsive and responsible organization, the Nigerian Army has also escalated the development to other relevant national and state agencies.

“As of the time of this statement, samples have been taken from suspected contacts and the deceased and sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory in Kano for analysis. Similarly, the Kaduna state Epidemiologists have been invited to help in unraveling the unfolding development.”

Nwachukwu said all Nigerian Army medical facilities in Kaduna and environs have been put at alert on the “need to employ necessary IPC measures and closely monitor patients, staff and family members.”

He urged the public to not panic, as adequate measures have already been put in place to contain the suspected outbreak.

The disease has already resulted in the death of three medical staff serving in the hospital and a patient, with some in critical condition.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDEMNS LATEST ATTACK IN PLATEAU, CHARGES GOVERNOR MUTFWANG WITH RESOLVING UNDERLYING COMMUNAL ISSUES

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9 hours ago

April 14, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDEMNS LATEST ATTACK IN PLATEAU, CHARGES GOVERNOR MUTFWANG WITH RESOLVING UNDERLYING COMMUNAL ISSUES

President Bola Tinubu expresses profound sorrow over the recent bloodshed in Plateau State, a tragedy that has claimed the lives of over 40 individuals.

He strongly condemns the violence and extends his sympathies to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the state government, and the people of Plateau while urging him to summon the necessary political will to resolve the crisis and establish enduring peace.

In his call for harmony among the people of Plateau State, President Tinubu emphasises the importance of love and unity beyond religious and ethnic lines. He encourages community, spiritual, and political leaders within and beyond the state to unite and end the cycle of retaliatory attacks that have made life unbearable for affected communities.

“The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease,” President Tinubu asserts.

“I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate this crisis and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts. We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough.

“Beyond dealing with the criminal elements of these incessant killings, the political leadership in Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, must address the root cause of this age-long problem. These problems have been with us for more than two decades. We can no longer ignore the underlying issues. It is time to tackle them fairly and find a lasting solution. I have discussed these problems with the governor over time and offered suggestions for lasting peace.

“The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State government in promoting dialogue, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring accountability—crucial steps towards permanently resolving the conflict in Plateau”.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

April 14, 2025

War: Ukraine loses 235 soldiers in 24 hours

Published

13 hours ago

April 14, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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No fewer than 235 soldiers have been lost in the past day by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk direction.

The Russian Defence Ministry made the claim Monday in a statement made available to newsmen.

According to NAN, Ukraine has so far, lost 74,245 service people and 406 tanks during the offensive in the Kursk direction, the ministry also said.

The ministry also stated that in the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 235 service people, an armored personnel carrier; three combat armored vehicles, 14 cars, and four field artillery weapons.

Others include four mortars and a BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system.

Ekwutosblog earlier reported that two Russian missiles on Sunday struck the heart of the city of Sumy in Ukraine, killing at least 31 persons including children.

France President, Emmanuel Macron, while reacting to the sad incident, condemned the development, stating that France is working towards imposing a ceasefire on Russia.

Bandits abduct resident in hours after cleric’s kidnapping in Katsina

Published

14 hours ago

April 14, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Suspected bandits on Sunday night invaded the Tamarke community in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, kidnapping one resident, barely a day after the abduction of a prominent Islamic cleric in a separate attack in Ƙankara LGA.

This development was contained in a post by Katsina-based security analyst Bakatsine on Monday.

According to the analyst, the attackers stormed the Tamarke community under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically before whisking away a local resident to an unknown destination.

“Yesterday night, bandits invaded the Tamarke community in Bakori LGA, Katsina State and abducted one person. Just less than 24hrs after the abduction of Sheikh Mustapha Aliyu Unguwar Mai-Kawo in Ƙankara LGA,” Bakatsine wrote.