The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and observe standard precautionary measures at all times in the course of discharging their duties.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Shuaibu Joga, the NMA said the call for precautionary measures had become necessary following a suspected outbreak of lassa fever at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
The Association confirmed the death of a nurse, one pharmacist, one paramedic and a patient in Kaduna on Thursday, saying that the death was recorded within 48 to 72 hours following contact with a patient
According to Joga, six samples have already been taken for confirmatory tests while contact tracing has begun.
The statement called on government, hospital managements and proprietors of private health facilities across the State to ensure the provision and use of Personal Protective Equipment for all healthcare workers to further reduce risk of transmission.
The NMA also promised to continue to sensitize members and the general public on preventive measures to prevent further spread of the disease in Kaduna State.