Kano Health Workers Test Negative for Lassa Fever, One New Case Confirmed

Over 20 AKTH Staff Cleared After Isolation

More than 20 healthcare workers at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) have tested negative for Lassa fever and have been discharged from temporary isolation. The staff members had direct contact with an index case—a 22-year-old pregnant woman who died shortly after admission to the hospital’s gynecology emergency unit.

Husband of Deceased Patient Tests Positive

While the majority of tested individuals were cleared, one new case has been confirmed—the husband of the deceased patient. The man is currently under the care of the Kano State Epidemiology Unit. According to Maryam Aminu Usman, AKTH’s Chief Information Officer, the negative results among healthcare workers reflect the hospital’s strict adherence to safety protocols.

Swift Response by Hospital Management

Usman emphasized that AKTH’s management acted swiftly after confirming the Lassa fever case on April 5, 2025. “All necessary precautionary measures were taken to prevent further spread within the hospital and surrounding areas,” she stated.

State Health Commissioner Provides Update

Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, confirmed that four cases have been identified, including the deceased index patient. The remaining three are under close monitoring despite initial negative test results.

Rapid Response and Contact Tracing

Dr. Yusuf noted that the state’s Rapid Response Team has been mobilized, with antiviral medications, PPEs, and thermometers distributed to AKTH. “Twenty samples were collected from hospital staff, all of whom were advised to self-isolate and given Rivavirin as a precaution,” he said.

Additional contact tracing efforts are underway, including at Kura General Hospital, where exposed individuals are being monitored for symptoms over a two-week period.

Source: The Guardian