29m Nigerians at risk of Lassa fever – Minister

 

                 29 million Nigerians are at the risk of Lassa fever, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, has warned.
                 The minister also noted that 26 states in the country are exposed to the deadly disease.
He sounded the warning on Friday at the occasion marking the National Lassa Fever Day celebration in the country.

The minister also witnessed the presentation of 5,000 safeguard soaps to the ministry by Procter &Gamble.
He noted that in 2012 alone, the country recorded 1944 cases, with 207 deaths.
Alhassan stated that majority of the deaths were recorded among the healthcare providers.
He warned that every case should be well investigated to reduce the fertility among health workers which is put at about 50-80 per cent.
He tasked health workers on the need to be protected while treating Lassa fever patients.