Lassa fever outbreak in Borno state.

Lassa fever outbreak in Borno state. Borno State has recorded its first victim of Lassa Fever as a 32-year-old lady, who resides in Zabarmari village of Jere Local Government Area, tested positive.Lassa Fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness of two to 21 days duration and is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Haruna Mshelia, said the victim fell sick last week and was admitted at a government hospital in Maiduguri, a sample of her blood was taken to Lagos for test and returned positive. Dr. Mshelia said though the situation is under control as the victim is responding to treatment, the ministry had to summon all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, to sensitise the public on the need to ensure proper sanitation and avoid eating rodents, especially rats. source