Lafia and Awe local government areas in Nasarawa State were thrown into panic after six individuals suspected of Lassa fever escaped from the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital Isolation Centre.
The escapees were initially brought to the facility by the State Ministry of Health’s response team after they were identified as contacts of a patient who reportedly died from complications resembling Lassa fever nine days ago.
Blood samples from the suspects were sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reference laboratory in Abuja for confirmation.
According to the Director of Public Health, Peter Attah, the suspects escaped before the test results were returned, citing complaints of inadequate food at the isolation facility.
“They became violent and left the hospital. We later tracked them to a relative’s residence in Lafia and ensured they did not interact with others,” Attah said.
He reassured the public that all six tested negative for Lassa fever. “The death of the initial patient’s wife may have heightened suspicion, but laboratory results confirmed none of the escapees were infected,” Attah added.
Attah confirmed that only one confirmed Lassa fever death—a pregnant woman from Awe LGA—was recorded in the state recently.
However, a ministry official in Awe told newsmen that three people had died exhibiting Lassa fever-like symptoms, prompting the temporary closure and fumigation of the General Hospital in Awe.
The incident has raised concerns about hospital preparedness and patient management during outbreaks of highly infectious diseases in the state.
Health authorities are urging residents to report any suspected Lassa fever symptoms immediately and adhere to recommended preventive measures.
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