Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The Kano State Centre for Disease Control KNCDC has issued a formal public health advisory, urging residents to heighten their vigilance following reports of suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever VHF in the country.
This alert was triggered by a recent report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC concerning two individuals in Abuja who presented with symptoms of a severe febrile illness accompanied by bleeding.
In an official statement disseminated across its social media channels, the KNCDC underscored the particular risk for Kano State. The agency cited the state dense population and its status as a major commercial and travel hub with frequent inter state movement as key factors that could potentially facilitate the rapid spread of infectious diseases.
To reassure the public, the KNCDC provided a crucial update on the investigation preliminary laboratory tests have conclusively ruled out Ebola Virus Disease in the two suspected cases.
This finding alleviates concerns about one of the most severe VHFs. However, the agency emphasized that the situation remains active, with further investigations underway to determine the exact pathogen responsible. The current focus of the probe is on other serious viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as Lassa fever and Dengue fever.
The health agency took the opportunity to educate the public on the nature of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, describing them as a group of severe and often life threatening illnesses caused by several distinct viruses. These diseases typically manifest with a constellation of symptoms, including high fever, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea.
KNCDC explained that these viruses can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals such as rodents for Lassa fever or mosquitoes for Dengue fever. Subsequently, human to human transmission can occur through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of an infected person.
In light of these risks, the KNCDC issued the following specific preventive measures for all residents by Washing hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol based hand sanitizers and Avoiding close contact with anyone showing signs of unexplained fever or bleeding.