TheCable

Five people have died in a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in Plateau state.

Kunden Deyin, Plateau commissioner for health, told NAN on Sunday that the state recorded 17 cases after multiple tests were conducted.

Deyin said 13 people have been admitted in a hospital and are responding to treatment.

The commissioner said 73 persons who had primary and secondary contacts with the patients are being monitored.

“The 73 persons are currently being monitored. We shall do that for 21 days because the incubation period is from six to 21 days,” he said.

“After the 21 days, those not affected by the disease will be discharged from the contact tracing list and certified free of Lassa Fever.”

He advised all those who may have symptoms such as headache, body pain and general feeling of being unwell, to report for checks.

The commissioner explained that checks are key to reducing the mortality rates associated with  the disease.

He advised that surroundings of homes be kept clean to ward off rodents and asked that grain stores be sealed.