Three health workers have reportedly died in the emergency ward of the 44 Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna due to a suspected epidemic of viral hemorrhagic fever.
As a result, the military hospital’s leadership has closed the emergency department, and samples collected from suspected contacts of the deceased have been forwarded to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control laboratory in Kano for testing.
The hospital’s Corps Commander, Medical, Brig. General S. O. Okoigi, stated in a statement on Thursday, “The Accident and Emergency Department of 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, has lost three members of staff and a patient suspected of dying from severe Viral Hemorrhagic Fever, VHF.
“This occurred 10 days after the treatment of a patient with febrile sickness who was assumed to be the disease’s index case. The patient also died of the probable ailment.”
He added that the most prevalent symptoms in those affected were fever and nonspecific symptoms such as malaria, and that the sickness was worsened by abnormal liver function, acute kidney failure, encephalopathy, microangiopathy, and increased D-dimer, among others.
“The Accident and Emergency has been closed for thorough disinfection process and samples have been taken from suspected contacts and the deceased and sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, laboratory in Kano for analysis,” the chief of staff stated.
Similarly, he stated that Kaduna state epidemiologists have been invited to assist in determining the origin of the febrile illness in order to limit the spread of the disease.
This, he stated, was in addition to the tight disease infection prevention and control procedures that had been mandated to be implemented, and that Ribavirin injection (antiviral agent) had also begun on other suspected cases and those found through contact tracing.
He also stated that the hospital has been told to temporarily cease admitting new cases from the general public until the crisis is being contained.
According to him, the high risk of getting VHF among healthcare personnel highlights the need for improved IPC measures in all Nigerian Army health facilities.
He said, “Prevention remains the best approach in dealing with such outbreak since treatment options are limited against a background of high mortality often recorded as in the current case at 44 Nigerian Amry Reference Hospital, Kaduna.
“This can be achieved by raising the level of hospital preparedness for VHF outbreaks through capacity building and ensuring the use of universal precautions when dealing with all patients.
“Sequel to the foregoing, it is imperative that all units put in place strict IPC
measures immediately to safeguard hospital staff and patients.
“Furthermore, IPC guidelines are to be strategically located for all members of staff to see and adhere to.”
Credit: Punchng