An outbreak of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever has resulted in the deaths of three health workers at the emergency ward of the 44 Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
Consequently, the hospital’s authority has taken swift action by closing down the affected emergency ward. Samples have been collected from suspected contacts of the deceased individuals and sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control laboratory in Kano for analysis.
In a statement released by the hospital’s Corps Commander, Medical, Brig. General S. O. Okoigi, it was revealed that the outbreak stemmed from the management of a patient with a febrile illness suspected to be the index case of the disease, who passed away 10 days ago.
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The symptoms observed in those affected included fever and nonspecific symptoms resembling malaria. The illness was further complicated by abnormal liver function, acute kidney failure, encephalopathy, microangiopathy, and elevated D-dimer levels, among other complications.
As part of containment measures, the Accident and Emergency department has been closed for thorough disinfection, and all suspected cases are being treated with Ribavirin injection, an antiviral agent. Additionally, Kaduna state epidemiologists have been enlisted to aid in identifying the cause of the febrile illness and prevent its spread.
In light of the situation, the hospital has suspended accepting new cases from the general public temporarily. Emphasis has been placed on strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) practices across all Nigerian Army health facilities to mitigate the risk of healthcare workers contracting the virus.
Brig. General Okoigi stressed the importance of prevention in dealing with such outbreaks due to limited treatment options and high mortality rates associated with viral hemorrhagic fever. He urged strict adherence to IPC measures and the dissemination of guidelines to all hospital staff to safeguard both staff and patients.
